Individuals who are able to correctly conceptualize the relationship between the past, present, and future are positioned to live joyful and productive lives; however, all too often this desirable and achievable goal is short-circuited by the time trap: an unhealthy tendency to live in the past or rush toward the future at breakneck speed. Throughout the Bible, we are instructed to build upon past successes as well as failures and press confidently into the future. David, an Old Testament songwriter with a New Testament understanding of worship, while moving from personal prayer to corporate instruction, provides a key truth for avoiding the time trap:
Open to me the gates of righteousness,
that I may enter through them
and give thanks to the Lord.
This is the gate of the Lord;
the righteous shall enter through it.
I thank you that you have answered me
and have become my salvation.
The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone.
This is the Lord’s doing;
it is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118: 19-24 ESV).
Over a millennium later, the Apostle Paul, who could have chosen to never move beyond his past failures, instead built upon the truth revealed by David and provided us with a clear-cut understanding of the beauty of living in the present:
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit (Ephesians 2:19-22 ESV).
Strangely enough, even though I was happily married and loved by those to whom I ministered, for many years I spent a significant amount of time mourning past mistakes and laboring to earn the acceptance that had been granted to me at the moment I became a member of God’s very own family. I am so thankful that He never wastes our sorrows; Linda’s struggle with Alzheimer’s has taught me how to successfully live in the present. My greatest hinderance was erroneously connecting my personal joy with the circumstances surrounding me — good times equal great joy, tough times equal great despair. Over time, in the crucible of suffering, I have grasped that true joy flows out of a relationship with Christ, regardless of how difficult our journey may become as we await the healing that He has planned just for her.
In the picture accompanying today’s blog, which was taken on January 13, the obvious intentionality etched on Linda’s face is at odds with so much that has transpired since that time. My journal notes from two recent visits provide insight into her ever-changing world:
January 19 – After warmly receiving me when I arrived, her attitude quickly changed as we began the evening meal. She sent a message that she was able to feed herself. My goal is always for her to do as much as she can on her own; however, after a few minutes, she began to struggle and I tried to help, which seemed to upset her. Therefore, I backed off. A few minutes later, she appeared to be confused and I again asked if she wanted my help; she nodded, “Yes.” For the remainder of the meal, our interaction resembled a feeding dance: When she wanted to take the lead, I backed off. When it seemed that she needed or wanted my help, I assisted. The end result was that she ate her entire meal. There is no assurance that this method will work tomorrow!
January 25 – I was not prepared for today. When I arrived, Linda was in her wheel chair, the back was reclined, and she was severely leaning to the right, with a pillow behind her for stabilization. Her feet, ankles, and lower legs were swollen as big as I have ever seen them. While waiting for the food to arrive, we held hands and I told her how much I loved her. In response, she smiled her precious smile and sent a very distinct message that she sensed I was someone special. During the evening meal, she welcomed my assistance and literally ate everything on her plate. I held back my tears until I left the building and was able to process the pictorial of the future that I had just witnessed!
In typical Linda fashion, within two days, the severe leaning to the right was gone and she was sitting upright. As for me, thankfully, my joy is not dependent upon my circumstances!
Ron Harvard Ministries 