The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Ephesians 5:15-17, “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise,

16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil.

17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

Of all the things that we own, there is nothing more precious than time. In these three, short verses, the Apostle instructs us by warning against wasting time. The older we get, the “faster” time flies. We are

encouraged to rescue the time we have from waste. As I look retrospectly over my own life, I see numerous things I wish I had done. But, it’s too late now. It’s helpful to take inventory of our time every so often, so that we might use it wisely.

To be sure, there are allurements in the world that seem profitable; yet, when we indulge in them, and then look back and evaluate them, we see them as useless toward anything good or helpful, either to ourselves or to others. “Time,” one has said, “is given us for most valuable purposes…Man has just enough (time) given him to accomplish all the purposes which God designs, and God has not given him more than enough.”

In today’s inbox, I received two emails from an old high-school friend. They were sent others, as well. His father was a Harvard professor, and he is a retired professor of mathematics from the University of Oregon. He sent pictures of a house, of its gardens, and of his library; but he said nothing of substance. One email subject line said, “Help if you can.” His opening statement said, “We are all at an age when we expect some of our friends to disappear from the email world.” Was his concern for “disappearance” more than “from the email world”? Was that subject-line call for “help” more than it appeared? Is the LORD directing me to witness to an old friend? How will I spend my time today? There are important things already on my agenda. Now, I must prioritize my time, but not just for today –for the rest of my life. How about you?

We love and pray for you daily,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”