Make the most of time

There are many different experiences of life, some teach us things, others to celebrate, some to mourn, and all to cherish. From hardships to some of our best times, we are always reminded how precious moments are in life. In Ephesians 5:15-16, we are reminded “Be careful, then, how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time…” In a phase of my own life now where I have seen the fragility of life and experienced how quickly it can pass and how precious moments are, I chose recently to take my two children, Cole (21) and Addie (17) to Greece. It was just the three of us and I have never been more proud and thankful for my decision. By far to this point in all our lives, I have never made a better emotional and financial investment in making the most of time with my children.

We explored Athens the first couple days, just finding our own way and wandering through streets to discover amazing finds like the park and gardens near our hotel followed by a wonderful meal at a great restaurant on a little side street where we sat outside just amazed that we were even there. Our cruise was next exploring Santorini, Rhodes, Ephesus, and Mykonos were among a few of our favorites. The crystal blue waters accented by beautiful white buildings with brilliant blue tops in Santorini and Mykonos at each turn made our hearts full of excitement. Ephesus was very special to visit the house of the Virgin Mary and have a prayerful moment that touched our hearts. The ruins there amazed us including where the apostle Paul once spoke. Moments experienced every day that will always be on our minds and in our hearts. I know what was meant in that passage to be wise how you live and make the most of each moment.

We hit the ground running as soon as we were back for the next adventure of Cole returning to his home away from home in the mountains this summer. I told him I don’t remember the last time I was with him for ten days straight, but I will be forever grateful for our bonding and connection. Addie would be off to Camp Trinity the very next day, so we had our work cut out to make a quick turn. We drove together to the beach a little overspent on time together, but towards the end had our own bonding to continue. It was a lot to get my new high school senior to the beach as soon as we were back, but as I drove, I was reminded to make the most of every moment. Camp Trinity holds precious memories for myself and my children, so I never mind going back to feel that rekindled special spark. What better way to make the most of moments than to share the spark with others. Even some of our own St. Alban’s parishioners share in my love of Trinity. The Buckners share the love of that place, and I was elated to know that this summer they shared it with the Stovers and the Hicks. Before my return I even got to visit with them for a bit on the beach. My heart is full knowing that children of St. Alban’s will get to experience that special spark at Trinity this week and begin to make their own memories and moments. God is good!