The Between Times

Easter weekend, I was once again reminded about the difference the time between Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday makes.  The lives and world of Jesus’ family, disciples and followers had been turned upside down and then dramatically right side up.  They went from agony and despair to elation and hope, all in a matter of three long days and nights.

The majority of life is made up of “Between times”…that period of time between when something begins and ends…and something starts again…

…taking tests and finding out results

…the beginning of a sport season to its conclusion

…the start of a race, project, or task to its completion

…time when you plant and when the flowers or produce are ready to bloom or eat

…your first breath to your final one

Sometimes it can be a matter of seconds between when something starts and ends while other times it can literally take a lifetime to complete.  But what about the between times?  I am realizing more and more that life is what happens when you are on your way to somewhere or something else.  What I choose to do during the between times matters.  I can waste those seconds or years thinking there is plenty more time; I can rest, relax and be rejuvenated; or I can embrace the process by intentionally being productive.  In a way, the between times define who I am as much as the “big” events.

“Father, between now and when I rest tonight, please help me be intentional about how I choose to spend the time and energy that you have blessed me with for this new day."

A person’s days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed.

Job 14:5

“Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.

Psalm 39:4

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90:12