Redeem the time

 

I try to live by this advice: "Redeem the time, for the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:16).

    But let me tell you, it is difficult! Even though I plan and prepare, write up a diary and set alarms on my phone for everything I need to accomplish each day, life happens - sometimes more than others! - and at the end of each day, when I come to do the accounting of the soul, mostly, all I have the energy to do is think about the day and thank the Lord for the good things, repent of the bad things and resolve to do better. Perhaps I should try doing my daily blog in the mornings instead.

    But we all know what happens once the day gets hold of you - it takes you on a non-stop, roller-coaster journey! And it's hard to change course or veer in a different direction once the vehicle is moving - or is it just me?

    Anyway, time seems to be going faster these days. Some say it happens when you get older. Others say time itself is coming to a close and the sands of time are running out.

 As the last few grains in a sand clock form a whirlpool and descend hastily into the bowl of our memories, we should be mindful that tomorrow is never guaranteed. We should weigh each granule and make the most of its potential.

    Even if we only have one or two grains left to pass through our sand clock, it's never too late. We can make them count for much, even in the last hours.

    This is definitely not all gloom and doom - far from it! 

As for me, I do not know how many days I have left in this world. But one thing I do know: I will spend every moment living for the Master of the Universe, the God of Israel. I will pray, study the Word of God, build others up, encourage them. I will honour my mother, my children, my friends, my family. I will thank the Father for every breath I take, for every heartbeat, for each meal He provides, for allowing me to continue living in my apartment through His Divine intervention, And so much more.

    Many things have happened since the 9th May. Let me recount the Lord's goodness to me and those I love:

    With only one person still alive of the 10 who were our parents, aunts, and uncles, my cousins and I are now blessed to have reconnected with each other via technology. This is an answer to prayer for me.

    I am privileged that, even without a car, I am able to visit my dearest mom almost once a week. I am overjoyed that she is so happy at Fairlands. Here is a pic of a recent visit:

    My grandson is very happy and content in the new school he is in now, in another city. Both of us are eagerly awaiting the school holidays when we hope with all our might we shall be able to see each other again! 

    From day to day, I am grateful for my friends who pray and study with me and allow me to be part of their lives. I am also grateful for my teachers through whom I am learning how to walk more closely with the God of my fathers. I am also very happy and blessed to have Hebrew students who continue to take lessons with me - what a privilege and pleasure to be able to teach others the Holy Tongue! Who ever would have thought I'd be doing that? Certainly not me!

    Our postal service in South Africa is not very good anymore at all. So I decided to put it to the test. In December last year, I ordered Hanukkah candles online, from Israel. I wondered if they would reach me. After 6 months, I had still not received the notification to say they had arrived at our local post office. Then suddenly, on a Monday, I got an SMS to say I had 3 days to collect them or they would be returned to sender. Then we had a taxi strike for 2 days and no one could get to work, so the post office was closed. Miracle of miracles, the candles were still there when a friend took me on the next Monday. For those who don't know what Hanukkah candles are, here is a picture of my candles from last year:

    My study partner and I are reading the Sifra this year for the book of Vayyiqra. We are having such fun and we are learning so much. The Sages of Israel were such Godly men, we have no idea.

    Of course, everything has changed since the 7th of October when Hamas declared war on Israel by attacking, killing, raping, and kidnapping innocent women, children, babies and elderly holocaust survivors. The war continues to this day, nearly 7 months later. The world believes the lies being told by the propaganda machine. My own country, to my shame and horror, dragged Israel to the ICJ, at the behest of Iran. At our upcoming elections on the 29th of May, may this evil government be removed and replaced by a Godly one, please Father.

    Even with all the bad stuff going on in the world today, my hope and faith and trust are in the Almighty. He is my only hope and total security. Allow Him to be yours too.

Blessed Monday

Penny