This and That 2

2005-11-11 Posted at 04:15:45 PM

Another article by M. Jane Scott

One of the most tragic figures in life is the man or woman obsessed with the idea that all the joys of life belong to the future.  Such a one may be heard saying:  “Some day I’m going to retire and enjoy life.”  Poor, deluded mortal, if he isn’t enjoying life right now, it is not likely that the future, if any, will be more enjoyable.

In the plan of God, there isn’t any “someday”, there is just—now.  Each of us is about two deep breaths away from the threshold of eternity, and in view of this we ought to cultivate the habit of using the present moment to good advantage.  St. Paul had a word to say to men and women who are counting on so much from the future.  He said this:  “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, redeeming the time because the days are evil.”  (Ephesians 5: 15-16)

Redeeming the time can become a profitable business.  It pays great dividends in intangible things like love and friendship with both God and man.  What do we mean by redeeming the time?  We mean that we must use every second for some useful purpose, for high endeavour, for the development of every power and talent God has given us, so that we shall not be lacking in the things and the accomplishments which are the heritage of men and women who do the will and the work of God, for the glory of God.

As M. Jane Scott addressed one of the local WMS (Women’s Missionary Society) meetings, she was asked:  “How long does it take you to prepare a talk like that?  How long does it take you to write your Saturday column?”

Her answer was as follows:  “It has taken me all my life to learn the lessons which, through the providence of God, come spinning off this typewriter just before the deadline every week.  It has taken a lifetime (and not too short a one at that), to prepare the 20-minute-or-so talks some of you have heard in days gone by.

There isn’t anyone who could not prepare himself or herself for useful, happy living now and in days to come if they would redeem the time.  Every minute is so important in the long scheme of life and the people who use the minutes for doing instead of doodling can, and do, live fully and happily now, and their future is assured.  Every one of us needs a reminder of the importance of the quiet lightening deed, which can be done in the odd moments with far-reaching effects.

Funk and Wagnall’s dictionary says that a doodler is a simple or idle fellow.  From this has come our modern cooloquialism – the doodler – one who sits with pencil or pen in hand drawing scrolls, faces or designs without purpose.  Newspaper people are notorious doodlers.  On almost every desk may be found samples of reporters’ doodling.  The habit develops as they sit with the telephone listening t long conversations, or waiting for busy lines.  In these moments with pencils poised their minds and their hands wander aimlessly, and reams of copy paper are used annually by doodling reporters.  Enough paper and time has been wasted by office doodlers to produce the world’s masterpiece.

There are a lot of spiritual doodlers on the road of life.  These are the individuals who fail to use the odd moments for building up their spiritual and mental reserves

The busy worker who uses the hours spent travelling to and from his work in quiet devotion and silent prayer, or study, is redeeming the time; the person who uses the odd minutes to write a note of encouragement to someone in need, or who telephones to inquire about a sick one is a doer, not a doodler.

How about you?  Are you just doodling?  Filling in the time, waiting for the cash to come rolling in?  Are you randomly surfing in the traffic exchanges, or are you surfing with a purpose? 

If you would like some help to redeem your online time, join us for one of the many weekly conferences.  Find out more by clicking on this link:  http://www.10khits4unow.com/sheep.php/watson48

Fran Watson

P.S.  If I'm not there, just tell them that I sent you.  You will be warmly welcomed by those in attendance, and as a first timer, you will be eligible for free credits.

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