An Apology to Time

Dear Time:

I want to confess to you that I have long believed the lie that you are my enemy. I have accused you of stealing, killing, and destroying. I have feared your implacable march and refused to remember that you answer to a good Master. I’ve denied you, blackmailed you, challenged you, and cowered before you. In short, I have treated you as everything except a friend.

I have asked you, Time, for more than you can give. I’ve extorted promises from you, expecting that you can somehow satisfy the longing for eternity that God has set in my heart. You know how very short-sighted I am, though you have borne witness to God’s faithfulness again and again. Each time you’ve pointed to him, I’ve looked to you. Forgive me for loving and fearing you so idolatrously.

You are not a minion, but a servant and friend, faithfully advancing me toward salvation—I’m so much nearer now than when I first believed! You’re bringing me closer to knowing as I am known. Your charge is to deliver me to my eternal dwelling place, where I will finally find the life that is hidden in Christ.

Oh, Time, let’s be friends. I can’t promise that I will never fear you again, that I won’t believe some of the things I hear about you, or that I won’t try to make you bear the weight of glory from time to time. But I am bringing my fears into the light tonight where the perfect love of God is at work, driving them away. So take courage! As I learn to trust your Master more, I will fear (and love) you less.

You understand, I think, that I won’t be with you forever. I know that your days are numbered like the hairs on my head. But I have a feeling that we have some good work yet to do. So let's get started!

Seeking the city that is to come,

Michele

"There have been times when I think we do not desire heaven but more often I find myself wondering whether, in our heart of hearts, we have ever desired anything else." C.S Lewis