A woman recently came to Fort Frederica with her dog to walk around.  She told me she was killing time for a while because every day was the same during the stay at home order.

I have never liked the expression “killing time” and I like it even less as I get older.  Yes, I can lose track of the days during this period where nothing much differentiates one day from another.  Tom and I don’t even have regular days off anymore.  Even though we are technically working at the park, the park is closed.  So no visitors to keep it open for and no particular hours to keep.  We work until we get through with something and then we do something else.  But I don’t see this as killing time – I try to find a way to make every hour productive.  Even when I am watching television, I am knitting or doing something with my hands.

We have a limited time on earth so each day is precious.  Each hour is precious – each minute.  Psalm 90:10-17 reminds of us this fact.

The length of our days is seventy years– or eighty, if we have the strength;
Yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.
Who knows the power of your anger? For your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you.
Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble.
May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children.
May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us;
Establish the work of our hands for us– yes, establish the work of our hands.

Our days pass quickly, so we need to spend them in the right way.  We need to work and live for God.  We need to witness to his love so that others know that there is hope in times of darkness.  Each precious moment needs to be spent in doing this.

The days may seem long right now but they are flying by.  Don’t waste your time by killing time.  Be deliberate in the ways you live, even when you can’t get out of the house.  Use these days to increase your devotion to God and reach out to others in love.

Prayer:  God, you have given us a limited number of days on this earth.  Help us to use each hour in your service, giving glory to your name.  Keep us from wasting the short time we have.