This year here at Second we are challenging ourselves and our church to make “every second count.” To realize that in everything I do, in all my activities, in every arena of life I have the chance to capture that moment/second for eternal and lasting things or to let it slip by. I don’t know about you, but for me that challenge seems daunting. When I consider all that I have going on, sitting down and creating a strategy for being intentional with all those things is somewhat overwhelming…until, I realize that making every second count is not another thing to do, rather it is keeping the appointments I already have…let me explain.
In his first letter to Timothy The Apostle Paul, who is arguably the most focused and intentional Christ Follower in history, states, “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper [appointed] time. And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles. (1 Timothy 2:5-7 ) Simply stated, Paul recognized the weight of God keeping his appointment in Christ, and therefore he recognized the weight of his own appointment as a herald of the gospel! I’ve been thinking about the appointments I’ve been given, and how I can make the most of those appointments. 3 specifically:
1. In faith – daily I have an appointment with my creator. He longs to meet with me, but the question is am I keeping that daily appointment? The consistency with which we hear from The Lord daily is directly related to our ability to live “on purpose.” In 2014 I aim to keep my appointments with Him – daily.
2. In family – another obvious appointment in my life is that I hold the title of “husband” to my wife and “dad” to my kids. Am I making the most of those appointments? Am I intentional with my wife (date nights, listening, sacrificing self)? Am I intentional with my kids (making TIME, being involved, looking for teachable moments)? If I don’t do it who else will?
3.In my flock – Just like Paul we have all been given a ministry post. Yours may be the block you live on, it may be your workplace, it may be an actual leadership role at your church. Do those under your care know you care? Are those in my charge regularly challenged by me to be all they can for HIM?
Here is to making every Second count in 2014!
They say that a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, if that is true do your pictures reflect the memories you want to be making? Making memories or creating a memorable moment doesn’t just happen. As a dad and husband I’m constantly looking for ways to be intentional with my family and my time. One of those ways is to look for “memory making moments” and capture them. In story, in memory, and in pictures. As a husband I’m always looking for ways to create couple memories between Erin and I. This weekend we are getting away for a kid-free weekend to a fancy resort here in Texas — memories. Taking time.
