Fifteen years ago this month, I became a first time father. When you leave the hospital together, there are many firsts: outfit, crib, binky, blanket and so on. Some where along the way, time seems to speed up, as parents lose track of days, weeks, months and even years trying to keep up with their growing children. Two children later, I have forgotten to enjoy each and every moment with my wife and kids.
Part of adulthood is taking on more responsibility, working harder than ever to feed ever increasing appetites. Often, this results in parents missing a game, concert or memorable moment in the lives of your children. This double edged sword cuts to the heart, leaving a family starving at the dinner table or void of the happiness of time well spent together. Though opinions vary, the days between birth and graduation are valuable, with opportunities to shape and train your child in the way they should go, Proverbs 22:6.
With this in mind, I am wrestling between 2 destinies, one of wealth and the other, regret. Now I know what the apostle Paul meant by his words in Philippians 3:20-21. As a citizen bound for heaven, the rat race of life has carved a hole in my heart, tired of the superficial aspects on life on earth. Yet, on the flip side, I need to have the mindset of James 4:13-14. Before the sun sets on this day, evaporating time, I am going to be still, Psalm 46:10, enjoying the moments while I am still a resident on earth.
by Jay Mankus
