The pandemic brought by COVID-19 has made us reflect about time. We counted the days that some of us were not able to come out because of the restrictions. We also divided the month into quarantine status. Some are also excited, and part of coping up as well, about the “ber” months in which we could hear again the famous song, “Christmas in our hearts.”
The writer of Ecclesiastes tells us about time. In chapter 3:1, the writer wrote that “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…” This tells us that God has given each one of us the gift of time.
During the ancient times about 1500 BC, the Egyptians were able to invent a sundial that measured the daylight into 12 parts and nighttime into 12 parts. This was the concept that Greeks later on developed into 24 hours about 147 BC to 127 BC.
So, based on this scientific observation, God has given all of us the same time — that means 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.
What will we do with our time? The writer of Ecclesiastes called that Teacher can teach us a lot of things. Here are four important things to remember as we spend our TIME:
T – Trust in God.
The Teacher tells us about his experiences — that all pursuits are meaningless without God. He wrote that we should “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come…” (Ecclesiastes 12:1). This means that we should put our trust in God before it is too late.
I – Integrate faith and action.
Ecclesiastes 3:15 tells us that all our actions will be judged by God. It says, “Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account.”
So let us live our lives with the consciousness of living our faith.
M – Meditate on the Word of God.
It is always a good time to open the Bible and read it. We can only follow the commands of God if have read it.
The Teacher wrote, “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
E – Enjoy the blessings of God.
The writer of Ecclesiastes in 3:12 to 13 wrote,” I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.”
God is telling us to find happiness under His care. Let us enjoy the gift of family, friends and work.
May God bless us all!
Sincerely,
Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Director, Office of Communications
Central Philippine University