Learning About Time!

“Did you see any clock in church today?” Patty asked as we were reflecting on the service we’d been apart of the other week. Honestly I didn’t even notice, as the building had been remodeled and apparently the clock was never replaced. I do however vividly recall the first few times attending this church as I frequently glanced at that clock wondering how many laps the hands would circle before the service would conclude, and those hands went around a lot.  I even checked the time while preaching, as I was so accustomed to 30 or 40 minute suggested sermon limit in our Western culture.

Yet the other Sunday I never looked for the clock. I had no idea what time it was, and I’m sure I preached longer than 30 minutes. This is a miracle of sorts because time has always been a big deal for me. Ever since I could read a clock time has had a tight hold on me. In elementary school I spent a lot of time looking at the clock so I could run outside for recess, and in high school I could hardly wait for the clock to signal an early dismissal for a basketball game. And since marriage my wife will testify that I hate to be late.

For quite some time-God has been vying for my attention on my issues with time. Dare I admit at the core of my “time issue” is control. I have a plan, an agendas and a timetable all worked out for the day. When things don’t go according to the minutes I have  allotted I actually experience a tingling in my neck, a tangible sign of a little stress as my plans are getting rearranged.

So God sent me back to school and for the past five years my classroom has been South Africa. For example arriving early to the bank did not matter as 4 hours later I was still in line waiting for a bank clerk. Oh, and then with covid, things that took 4 hrs now took all day. Granted those hours waiting gave me ample time to self assess my hang up with time.

The bottom line was no matter how upset I got over my disrupted timetable-it just didn’t help. Living in another country has consistently reminded me that my timetable must surrender to the One who lives outside of  time and space. He continues to tell me to wait in His line, even though it can drive me crazy at times. I surely haven’t arrived yet, maybe I’d get a C+ on a “time report card?” Truly, God’s timeline may have made me wait, and maybe a lot longer, however in the end it has proved the best.

The wise King Solomon captured it well when he said:

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom it, what God has done from beginning to end.” Ecclesiastes  3:11.

You see it is all about relationship for our Father God and that takes time. All our waiting begins to teach us about a love He has for us for all eternity. This love is way beyond our understanding but in time we will learn He has something beautiful for us which is worth the wait. No doubt it has taken me a lot of time to learn some of this but I keep asking for His help as I submit to His timing and believe something beautiful is around the corner.

“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD!” Psalm 27:14

So I thank God for the church gatherings that have taught me to let go and enjoy the time spent together in community with other believers worshipping in song, prayer, testimonies, song, the offering and the word preached. Truly for many who come this time on a Sunday is the highlight of their week!