Minutes Before

Six minutes before I go to work for the day. In the last twenty four hours I have been happy and sad, seen joy and deep sorrow. I have become much richer and more deeply in debt. I have suffered hurt and found comfort, spoken harshly and softly. I have read God’s Holy word and gazed upon filth I should not have. So many moments, so many choices; some choices made well, others… well…
Five minutes before I go to work for the day and I wonder “Will I do it all again the same way?” Or will I take some of what was yesterday and use it to change today and tomorrow and the next? Surely if I have paid attention there are lessons to be learned and added value to be gained. Each day I ask myself “Will I learn?” I want to, but it costs something to pay attention for experience is not an inexpensive schoolmaster.
Four minutes before I go to work for the day and I am so very grateful to be loved. By God my Creator and Savior; by my wife of over 38 years; by those who appreciate the small contributions I make in their lives; by my children and grandchildren; and yes in a different way I even love the me Jesus has allowed me to be. I am loved by those who are learning to live and by those who are facing death. Sometimes that happens at the same moment to the same person.
Three minutes before I go to work for the day and I wonder if I will accomplish what I am paid for by my employer. Will I earn the trust and rewards they have agreed I am to receive? There is value in that which I provide. It is not what defines me but rather who I am that defines how much value I will put into it. If I have any hope of doing so, I must determine it is my aim, my goal.
Two minutes before I go to work for the day and I wonder where do these thoughts come from at this hour? And as I wonder another minute slips away. In that minute my mind has crossed the seas to a faraway dream, gazed into the faces of those who are precious and important to me, considered the value of the resources God has given and contemplated “What if I don’t go in today?”

The coat is next, the briefcase, the car keys and my hand on the door. This is the moment and what have I done to prepare for the day ahead? I see the pattern of what may be before me. I think of the drive, the walk from the parking garage across the beautiful grassy park, the opening of the elegant door and the settling in at the office as I unpack that which I have brought; including these thoughts. So I will go. I must go. For out there, on the way or at the place where I labor or on the way home, God, the Almighty omnipotent God of the Universe has designed an encounter which He has been preparing me for my entire life. It does not “just happen”. It is neither a chance nor a coincidence. It is the reason I have breath and life and His knowledge within me. Why? I am His and He is in me and we will meet this moment for His purpose and glory.
I pray God’s rich blessings on you who read this. It is my fervent prayer that today, your day may return far, far more than you are able to put into it.