In certain American Indian cultures, a young girl was given was given a simple test when her elders felt she might be ready to take her place in adult society. She was given a basket and instructed to pick the best ears of corn in a given row. There was one condition that she must abide by: she must choose the ears as she went along. She could not turn back, retrace her steps, and select ears she has passed by. Many failed this simple test of judgment.
With the advent of the new year, we have been handed a fresh basket of 365 days, 8,760 hours, 525,600 minutes. Everyone gets the same amount, whether a good person or bad, rich or poor, young or old, male or female, the basket holds the same for all. And the rules are the same for all. Not one moment can be relived.
By living we fashion time. We spend time. Kill time. Waste time. And sometimes make good use of it. God has once again given us a generous gift– a fresh basket of time. What we do with it can make all the difference in the world.
Children of faith must move along the rows of moments and days to pluck every good chance to make their life an effective influence. They do not wait for the perfect chance because in an imperfect world every moment is filled with the opportunity to serve and to spread joy.
WHK
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things… And the God of peace will be you. ” Philippians 4:8-9