We all live with the same amount of hours in a day.  A week lasts seven days for everyone.  Time is a constant but what we do with it depends on our perspective.  You and I choose a great deal of how we use our time and what we make of it.  One writer described it as the difference between watching a clock or making a clock.  You either watch the hands move or you fill your day by making things happen.  There will be circumstance on occasion that limit what you can do.  Interruptions of all types can send you in a new path without your permission.  Mature people still find or make ways to make time work for them rather than the other way around. 

Last week was a mix of both good and bad circumstances.  It came with a blend of the expected and the surprise.  You are reminded that God has plans far beyond our ability to comprehend in any moment.  My doctor gave me a good report on my recent heart trouble.  I am not one to gloat or brag but it would be a temptation otherwise.  No one is ready to declare me out of the woods but my health is much better than during Thanksgiving.  Miracle or medicine is my motto when it comes to praying for such things.  I am not even opposed to a combination of both!  No single moment in your life can ever capture all there is to your being.  Very few events are absolutely good or bad in nature.  Who we are will again determine its value.

Last week was also the trip down to Houston so my daughter could leave for Europe.  She will be gone for three months studying and touring.  Right now she is in Turkey for a few days with the students.  It's only eight hours ahead of our time now.  Being a dad may not always be easy.  Watching her walk away to the gates was not one of the highlights of being a father.  The house is again much quieter without her.  But those three months will pass and all will be right in the world again.  No doubt many changes will happen for her while traveling abroad.  My prayer is they will be positive as she experiences life outside of Texas.  Seems to me that part of raising kids is allowing them the freedom to live and learn.  What they don't know is we have to do the same.

We often forget to count our days in the idea they are unlimited.  Those of us who faced serious illnesses know full well that just isn't so.  The temptation is to allow our calendars to dictate how we make use of time.  Circumstances become an easy excuse to just pass the time rather than make things happen.  Our usual place is to feel burned out or bored with no answer in sight.  Jesus knew that time matters.  He shows us how to balance what we want to do with what we need to do.  Always make time to recover from the usual stresses in your world.  Refuse to negotiate about spending time alone with God.  Never forget that all of life belongs to God.  It may not make life easier but it will give you an ability to see God working no matter the hour.

Bro. Trey