With the Gift of Time

 It has been a long time since I have been here. The days sure do fly by and time gets away from us in the blink of an eye. 
 The roads we travel and the places we journey last only a moment.
this is something we see and understand more and more as we get older. 
 There is a lot we can learn from those who have journeyed before us. We can learn from the good they did and also from the mistakes they made.
 As we live our lives here on earth, we too leave an impression on those around us. 
 I have thought about this more lately, as I take care of an elderly lady with dementia once or twice a week. The first day I walked into their home, I knew there dwelt love and peace. I was blessed to learn  that her had her husband knew Jesus. 
 She is no longer able to talk or care for herself but I see a spirit of contentment in her. Her husband makes sure she is cared for with the best of everything. The love this couple has was obvious to me from the beginning. 
 As I get to know this elderly couple more, I see where they are at was a process. It didn't happen instantly. From what he tells me of his wife, I know she was never much of a complainer and she was patient with those around her. Perhaps this is why to this day there is a sense of peace around her. 
One night, I was looking through a devotional with her name on it that she must have read when she was still able. She had underlined quite a few things throughout the book.  

 Psalm 71:18 was one verse she had underlined. As I read through the devotion that day, I thought, this was her prayer and God had answered. Even though this sweet lady is no longer able to communicate, her life still speaks to me and likely many others.  
All of this got me thinking about what impression I am leaving to those around me. I have not always been patient and content. I do know I want to be, and hope I am taking steps towards that. 
Each day is a new beginning and another chance to walk in the Spirit.  
 I was inspired enough that I wrote a poem that night. 

Time is part of a gift lived on this earth
A moment of breath which started at birth
The path that we walk every step of the way
Quickly slips by each hour each day

Don't take for granted the time that is given
Don't waste today in this life you are living
Surrender this life to Jesus our King
Look to him and the blessings He'll bring

Walk in the Spirit and shine His great light
To those in need in the darkness of night
Memories we leave as we make our way though
A story we write with all that we do

Make it a book that will be worth reading
An example to follow for the ones we are leading 
Run with endurance  well to the end 
And win the prize only our Father can send

God help me to be faithful to the end and leave a legacy that will always point others to YOU, Jesus. 
Thank you Lord, that even though our days here on earth are numbered, we have eternity with You!

©Nancy T. Wall