Ryan's Ramblings

God calling yet; shall I not hear?
Earth’s pleasures, shall I still hold dear?
Shall life’s swift passing years all fly,
And still my soul in slumber lie?
    — Gerhard Tersteegen (1697 – 1769)

Tersteegen wrote those words nearly 300 years ago, and yet they apply to my heart today. I guess time and life “flew” back then too. Can you believe it’s 2022?

Whenever I reflect on “life’s swift passing years,” I don’t think about all the shows on Netflix, the constant drone of the news cycle, the “likes” I received on Facebook, or the 96 times a day I check my smartphone. (I might as well be sleeping for all that’s worth.)

Rather, I think about fun times, hearty laughter, the beauty of nature, the gift of dogs and cats (pets), the blessings of friendship, tears of joy, help given, kindnesses received, love expressed and the goodness of God in it all.

As we near the end of this first week of the New Year, let us remember that “times flies, and so do we” (David Roper). God is calling! Wake up from your slumber, look to the light of Jesus in your life and make every moment meaningful in Him.

“Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. (Ephesians 5:14-17, NLT)