Devotionals for the Heart: Time

Marking Time
A devotional by Glynis Becker

“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” 

–Hebrews 10:25 (NLT)

Recently, I was preparing for an annual family reunion and pheasant hunt with my husband’s extended family. It is a tradition for us to gather from all over and descend upon a campground overlooking the beautiful Missouri River where we eat, laugh, hunt birds, swap stories, eat, snack, and then eat some more. My husband has memories of this time as a child, and now my children know nothing other than the fact that the third weekend of October is always time for The Hunt.

As the years have passed, we have added to the family numbers through marriage and birth, and as is part of life, we must now lovingly remember those who are no longer with us. They are still part of the stories and the laughter and the memories. As we celebrate together and watch our family grow and change, these events become a way for us to mark time.

Our God is not only outside of time, He created time itself. God chose to place us in bodies that feel the passage of minutes, days, and years. But even though He doesn’t age, He began the practice of marking time by creating day and night (Genesis 1:5). He gives us the beauty of a sunrise to mark the promise of a new day, and each night He paints sunsets across the skies to give us an opportunity to slow us down. He gave us six days to work and one day of rest (Genesis 2:3).

All nations, communities, and families have celebrations and holidays that help them share in life together and remember days both good and bad. In the United States we celebrate Independence Day on the 4th of July as a way of honoring the unique founding of our country. On Memorial Day, we pause to remember those Americans through the years who have died while serving in the military. Jews today celebrate the same feasts that their ancestors did, such as Passover (Exodus 12:14), as a beautiful continuation of the worship of God and the remembrance of His faithfulness to generation after generation of His people–first the Jew, then to all of us who have accepted Christ as our Savior.

How are you celebrating what Christ has done for you today? Have you taken a moment to thank Him for what He has done, not only in your own life, but in the world? As the headlines become increasingly dark, seek out stories of God’s grace and share them with others. Stay in community with believers in your church and faith circles. Share the good moments with joy, and be a shoulder in the moments of sorrow.

God knew we would need each other. He knew we would need shared moments to make us a stronger community. Find a reason to celebrate with someone today, whether it’s a small victory or a huge accomplishment. Have a meal, invite people to share it with you, and make it an annual, monthly or weekly event. It’s a great way to mark our time on this journey, and you never know what lasting event or new tradition you might start!

Let’s Pray: Dear Jesus, remind us that we need each other. You have called us to be in community together, loving each other, praying with each other, and encouraging each other. You have asked us to go out into the world and bring others to You. Give us the strength, the motivation, and the power to do all of those things. In Your precious name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Glynis Becker writes devotions and inspirational fiction, hoping someday to have a published novel on her resume. She has co-written several screenplays, including the film Sinking Sand, available on DVD and digital streaming. 

Glynis, whose childhood was spent all over the country as an Air Force brat, has called South Dakota home for many years, along with her husband and two college-age children.

When she’s not writing or reading, she is watching more television than she should and crocheting.

Connect with her at @beckerglynis on Instagram or @GlynisBecker7 on Twitter.