Time - The Independent Variable

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”  (Ecclesiastes 3:1)   When we first learn of the seasons, we learn of spring, summer, fall, and winter.  I recall the first time, I thought of my life in terms of seasons.  It was in 2007 after my second child was born.  A few days after his birth, and a quick surgical procedure, it was clear to me that my reproductive season was over.  The end of a season such as this can seem sad, but it can also be exciting as we look to the next season.   

Right now it’s graduation season!   I’ve attended two so far and have one more to go.  Each day I see the graduation photos of my Facebook friends’ children who are completing high school or college moving on to their next season.   My cousin posted her son’s high school graduation pictures this week and I commented, “What?  When did he grow up?”  It’s not like I haven’t seen him two or three times a year all of his life, I even saw him back in February and we talked about his choice of college, but to see his photo in cap and gown, displaying his SC diploma was striking.  Where has the time gone?

This year marks twenty-years in the education profession for me.  It also marks twenty-years since I graduated from college, and twenty-years since of living in Rock Hill, SC. For my husband, it marks fifty-years of life.  I don’t think he can believe that either.   I realized today that with my parents graduating high school in 1968, they have a 50-year reunion!   Time happens.  Seasons change. 

In this seemingly rapid passage of time, I don’t feel as if I, personally, have changed.  When I look in the mirror, I still see the same person.  Sure, I see a few additional glowing strands of hair, but that’s really all.  I continue to accumulate experiences and some of my attitudes and feelings have changed, but that’s maturity, not aging!  In our household, the boys celebrate their birthdays in June and July, but this year there is another celebration in progress.  One is finishing his middle school season and heading to high school.  His younger brother is finishing his elementary school season heading to middle school.  I definitely see their changes, they are taller, one now has a striking baritone voice, both are much more independent, saying things like, “Mom, can you stop by the bank, I don’t have any cash on me for this weekend.”   

I often think of my Algebra I teacher explaining how to determine which variable was graphed on the X- and Y- axis.  She said, “X- is always time.  That’s your independent variable.  You have no control over time, it is totally independent.”   Boy was she right!  The passage of time is not something we can control.  What should we do as time passes and our seasons change?  The Bible offers some advice. 

“I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.”  (Ecclesiastes 3:12)

The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. 
(1 John 2:17)

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.  
(Proverbs 16:9)

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
(Psalm 90:12)

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 
(2 Peter 3:9)

 
 
Thank you for reading today,
Make the very best of this season.
Kim
                                

                                                                                                Copyright 2018 Kimberly Griffith Anderson

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