As I sat down to write, I looked over at the clock to see what time it was, and a game I played years ago as a child came to mind. It’s called, “What time is it, Mr. Fox?” Some of you might remember it. It was one of my favorite games!
SIMPLE RULES.
One person volunteered or was chosen to be Mr. Fox; the rest were runners.
HOW THE GAME IS PLAYED
Mr. Fox stands with their back turned to us with their hands over their eyes. The rest of us would step as far back as possible from them and shout, “What time is it, Mr. Fox?”
They might say 3 or 4 o’clock, and we would all take that many steps towards them and stop. When “Mr. Fox” thought or felt we were close enough, they would shout, “It’s dinner time,” and quickly turn around and chase us! Whoever gets caught becomes Mr. Fox.
Fun games and life skills
It’s impressive how I acquired life skills while playing this easy and highly unsophisticated fun game!
Curiously, I looked up the game, and interestingly, it required these skills: running, strategizing, endurance, bravery, tenacity, and time-keeping! I’m selecting two of these skills to talk about.
TIME-KEEPING
“The ability to arrive at a place at the time expected.”
As I think about the skill called time-keeping, I think about the game and how you could only take a number of steps according to the time given. In “Our Game,” if you took fewer or itty bitty steps to avoid getting caught, it was considered cheating, and you would suffer our immediate ten or 11-year-old ear-piercing reprimand!
Fast forward
Today, there is cheering, not reproof, in the heavens and the earth for every step that safely leads us further into the much anticipated year of 2021!
Unlike in the game of yesteryear, where we were labeled cheaters if specific steps were taken, it’s quite the contrary today.
Despite how things may seem this year, new plans have already begun, and I’ve decided to take each step confidently!
How am I going to do it?
ENDURANCE
I. One step at a time!
I will not be unproductive with my time! Whether they be big steps or itty-bitty steps, I am stepping forward!
II. I run to win ONLY!
I’ve got new running shoes strategically designed for me to win! I will not get caught by “Mr. Fox,” no matter what time it is!
PERSPECTIVE
Although there are other ways to hear from God or get your steps in the correct order.
These three ways have never failed me: Being Still, being Quiet, and being Patient.
At those times when I’m uncertain of which steps to take, and I’m frustrated and discouraged when prayers or an opportunity haven’t yet unfolded, I go and sit with Jesus. I ask Him, “What time or season of life am I in now? Where am I in Your timeline?” It’s either a time to be still, to be quiet, or to be patient.
These answers have a twofold meaning:
Sometimes, it’s a request, desiring me to sit with Him longer before answering because He wants to spend more time with me. It seems He’s saying, calm down, get some coffee, and let’s sit and talk about it.
Sometimes, they are instructional and need to be practiced over a while until they are in sync for the desired answer. God has perfectly timed everything. He’s The Answer even before you ask the question.
His timing has a purpose, so don’t fall apart; it’s not your time if certain things haven’t unfolded!
“There’s an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth.” Eccl.3:1 (MSG)
SYNCHRONIZING YOUR TIME
God has given us the gift of time while we are here on this earth. So, just as we synchronize our electronic devices to keep information flowing, current, and accurate, let’s synchronize the time given us by first spending time with God. He is the most accurate and trusted disseminator of information. He can make things happen for us at just the right time.
“Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend.” Theophrastus
Time well spent will not cost us anything we don’t need. We can purge items or memories that are no longer needed or wanted but never time. It has its own allotted slot, so let us use it wisely.
Be Flexible and Dream Big in 2021! Never lose hope in your dreams!
Don’t waste your time! NEVER lose hope in God!
Thank you, journey partners, for continuing with me, and God bless you!
Jacqui
6 comments
Yes! His timing is perfect & unmatched.
Ecc 3:1, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens”.
Psalms 18:3, “As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him”.
Thank you, Ms. Leea for your encouraging comment. I pray we remember these Truth words as we continue on our journey! God bless you! Jacqui
Wow, special words from a very special person. Thinking of You often.
Hi Robert! Thank you so much for the very kind comments! I wish you the best of what God has for you! You are a terrific person! Keep living with your head up and not down always! Sincerely, Jacqui
For such a time as this. This is what comes to mind when I think of you sis. I also think of one of your favorite scriptures, Jer 29:11, For I know the thoughts I think towards you. Your wording brings rejoicing to the heart and mind in real-time.
This is your. “ such a time” and this was in his “ “thoughts towards you”. And it’s marvelous in our eyes. Thanks for being obedient.
Thank you, my Brother! All things are revealed in God’s Time.