Take the Time

To every thing there is a season, 

and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 

A time to be born, 

and a time to die; 

a time to plant, 

and a time to pluck up 

that which is planted; 

A time to kill, and a time to heal;

 a time to break down,

 and a time to build up;

 A time to weep,

 and a time to laugh;

 a time to mourn,

 and a time to dance 

Ecc 3:1-4 

When I was little we used to live in a lovely 

environment close to the beach.

I had a fun childhood and remember 

always being outside with my sister, 

playing until dinner time (until the cows came home)!

At some point my father had health problems, 

they thought is was a heart attack of some sort,

but it was the muscles around his heart pulling together due to stress.

Soon afterwards, as a gift to my mother, he bought her this clock.

The family laughed and joked and said that my

father got my mom the gift because he thought

he was going to die (like a parting gift).

Thankfully he lived for many more years after this!

This Clock rings on every hour and stops ringing at 9

every night, but at some point during our childhood the Clock broke...

It remained a beautiful piece of work (wood) so it was left

hanging there on the wall.

The kids grew up (we are four; two boys and two girls)

and left home and comfort of mom and dad.

My parents moved to a different 

town on the Coast

with Clock and all.

About 3 months ago my dad became very sick;  all 

of a sudden... In and out of hospital...

All of us, brothers and sisters, got together, stayed and

visited there as it seemed quite serious.

During our time of visiting my Eldest brother, who is a

regular Mr fix-it, started fixing things around

my parents' house. Things that they don't get to.

Change the light, fix the gate, odds and ends and also

gave attention to fixing this Clock...

Stepping into Mom and Dad's home, with Dad still in

hospital, I heard this Clock ring again

for the first time in years ...

and Mom told me the story of how Dad

bought it and the family jokes.

Unfortunately Dad passed away a few days afterwards...

Now when I think about that Clock...I wonder if it wasn't God's way of 

showing us that it was Dad's time to go...

Bitter pill to swallow, God's Grace is enough to see us all

through this mournful time. 

We are also assured that he loved God and entrusted his life

to Him. Man of Great Faith...

It also got me thinking...

how did I spend time with Dad? Did I say what I wanted to say?

... not just when he became sick, but in general. 

And how will I be spending my time in future?

I'm glad I got to say goodbye...kiss him and pray with him...

a special grace from God...

not everyone gets to do this.

Some are quickly and shockingly 

removed from this world...

This whole event just helped me realize:

Tell my family and friends that I love them.

Everyday or as often as possible

and not just with my words

with my actions 

I can't make time for them...

because I can't MAKE time,

it is not in my hands...

TAKE the TIME

and appreciate and love

God and people

Today

Tomorrow might be too late.

much love xxx

iskra