December 28, 2016
The calendar provides an amazing tool for helping humans live an organized and fulfilled life. I admit that sometimes it feels like a stick that nudges me into action to meet deadlines, but I would miss out on many opportunities if it were not for the constant reminder. With just days left before the end of 2016, the calendar has me working on things that need to be completed.
There is still time to review the priorities I set last January and to make needed adjustments for the coming year. The areas of growth can be affirmed and the pattern set in place for 2017. And the failures can be evaluated and corrected in the future.
There is still time to affirm that financial management is in order and to be sure that God’s work has found first place in the process. If I planned to connect with people this year, I still have some time to do that. I knew there would be situations over which I have no control and I can review how I handled them. I wanted to clear out some clutter and it will be obvious how I did on that project.
Beyond all of the day to week to month issues is the reality that my days on Planet Earth are running out. However many calendar years Creator God has outlined for me, I know that I have one less than a year ago. That makes me both happy and sad – happy to know I am that much closer to being with Jesus and sad to think of leaving the people and life journey that I so enjoy.
The greatest concern is that time is running out for people to trust Jesus as Savior. The busyness of earth life is temporary, but what will come next lasts permanently. I can live with unfinished projects as I leave 2016, but people who do not know Jesus will one day leave Planet Earth and be separated from the Creator forever.
I am committed to setting goals, making appropriate changes, clearing clutter and managing resources in hopes of finishing 2017 with joy. But I hope my best effort will be devoted to telling Jesus’ Story and living in such a way that people can follow me and find Him. Tomorrow I will have one day less to do that.
Pastor Bill Ehmann