Sacred Time

 

Time is something we all struggle to find enough of, but how often do we think of it as being sacred or holy? As a tool that God uses to shine His Light into this world for our benefit?

    

    Yeshua said: "I am the Light of the world."

    He has been speaking to me in different ways recently about better managing the time He has given me, and I'm taking what He's saying seriously.

    I'm about two-thirds of the way through a teaching that talks about this process and how we can maximise God's gift to us. Time only exists in this world. In the heavenlies, it's all just eternal simultaneity.

    Here, we need to live in each moment that God presents to us and make the most of it, noticing both our good and bad actions, reactions, character traits and qualities, and behaviour. We need to be following the Torah (God's instructions for life to us) to help us repair those things we're getting wrong and increase those things we're getting right.

    I have a long, long way to go, but I praise the LORD that He is helping me to at least move forward. Slowly. I need and want to increase the pace of improving my way of handling the troublesome situations life throws at me.

    It is said that each day we have a certain number of rectifications to do, and if we don't complete them, they roll over to tomorrow, which has its own. Eventually, this burden weighs down our neshamah and we become overwhelmed and depressed, losing hope.

    So what does this mean practically?

Basically, live in every moment. If you find yourself having a negative reaction to a situation, catch yourself and ask for help from the heavens to have a positive one, one that God would appreciate. 

    How do we know what kind of action, behaviour and/or reaction God would appreciate? Look into His Torah. It's written in the language of men and is understandable enough for everyone to apply to their lives.

    How have I managed my time today? I could've done a lot better, but I was intentional and I hope my offering was acceptable to HaShem.

    I have started getting up in the early mornings when I wake before sunrise, unless it's still pitch dark outside, in which case I go back for another cycle or so of sleep. Shacharit for my friends and I starts at my 11am, so I generally have 4 or 5 hours to accomplish stuff before that. I use the time to bless God, read the daily aliyah, check on my plants, do admin, and so on. I teach early on a Tuesday so I usually can't join Shacharit on that day, but I do say my own private, shortened prayers before my classes begin.

    Then I eat something before doing some Torah study with a friend (or two), have half an hours' break and then pray Mincha. My usual 6pm class today was moved to Thursday, which has given me time to finish watching the teaching on Time and do this blog.

    Seven fifteen each evening, I video call my grandson to pray bedtime prayers with him - he turns eleven on Friday - and I look forward to this minute or two with his virtual presence very much.

    I posted his birthday present yesterday. It was so well-padded with cardboard and tape that I hope he doesn't get frustrated opening it!

    As dusk begins to approach, I am thankful to HaShem for sending a cool breeze - it's so hot!

    As soon as I cool down enough, I'll go into the kitchen and prepare my dinner. After the call to my grandson, it's time for Ma'ariv. I learned recently that the best time to pray Ma'ariv is when the stars come out, so I endeavour to do that now.

    I hope I have at least made you curious about managing our time better. I feel a bit overwhelmed by everything I'm learning - I surely have many, many days of undone tikkunim that have been rolled over and over again. But I will ask for my Father's help - and He is faithful. I know He will help me, because my heart is set on pleasing Him.

All that remains is for me to wish you Erev Tov & Rosh Chodesh Adar Tov!