A Time for Everything

Reflections on God's Timing and the Gift of Every Moment

Last week, while driving to work, I caught myself thinking, “I wish I had just ten extra minutes this morning.” I was running late and wondered where those minutes had gone. I couldn’t even remember how I spent them — they were just gone.

If I had those ten minutes back, I wouldn’t be stressed. I wouldn’t be speeding, trying to shave five minutes off the clock so I’d only be a little late. With those ten minutes, my morning could have been calm, my drive more enjoyable, and my arrival at work less frazzled.

If I only had those ten minutes back...

It’s funny how sometimes we say, “I just wish this day would end.” A bad day, a heavy moment, whatever the reason. But once time passes, it’s gone forever. And one day, we may look back wishing we had it again.

Every day on this Earth is a gift of time. Every hour, every minute, every second is a blessing. Lately, I’ve been struck by how quickly time seems to fly as we grow older. This summer in particular — eight weeks gone in what felt like a blink. I lived it, but somehow, I hardly remember it. Where did the time go?

As children, summer seemed endless, stretching on like the Energizer bunny. The hot days lingered forever, filled with weeks of play and laughter with friends. It felt as if God pressed pause, letting us soak in each moment fully — moments that still stay with us today.

So why, as we grow older, does time speed up? Where is that divine pause button we once felt as kids?

It’s a perfect day. The sky is blue, the sun is shining and the Byrds are singing...

Photo source: Internet Archive: www.archive.org

A Time for Everything

Whenever I think of time my heart turns to the folk song Turn! Turn! Turn!  by The Byrds. Though first released in 1965, it still resonates today.

Why is that? Let’s take a closer look at the lyrics:

Turn! Turn! Turn!

To everything — turn, turn, turn
There is a season — turn, turn, turn
And a time to every purpose under heaven.

A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap

...

A time for love, a time for hate
A time for peace — I swear it’s not too late!

Listen now: 

Though not a traditional Christian song, this song blesses me. The words are powerful and the melody soothes my soul. I’m still new in my faith, but God is reaching me in ways I never expected — through music. That’s how He works: uniquely, personally, meeting each of us where we are. Some hear Him in Scripture, others in nature, and some, like me, in song.

The lyrics of Turn! Turn! Turn! come straight from Ecclesiastes 3:1–8 — “There is a time for everything.” This timeless truth reminds us that every moment has purpose: whether joy or sorrow, building or breaking, peace or struggle. Instead of fighting against the flow of time, we’re called to trust God’s timing and the seasons He gives us.

Trusting God in Every Season

I can’t control being late for work. I can’t change time already lost. But I can choose to ask God for wisdom and help tomorrow, so my days are less rushed and more joyful. I’m learning to make the most of every moment and live fully in the present.

As one of my colleagues shared in his devotional today:

“It’s not about the perfect prayer or conversation with God. Let go of the pressure to have it all figured out. It’s simple: Calling to God is the first step. He’s always at work, even if we can’t see it yet”.

“Call to me and I will answer you” ~ Jeremiah 33:3

We may not understand God’s timing, but when we place our trust in Jesus, His love speaks to us right when we need it most.

Making the Most of Time

Back to Turn! Turn! Turn! — its music is as inspiring as its message, and I think that’s why it continues to speak across generations. Reading the YouTube comments on the song, I was touched:

•  Joseph: “Nothing but good vibes, peace and love to all.”
• John: “A time for peace... I swear it’s not too late. Whoever is reading this, don’t ever lose hope.”
• Peter: “Bless them for making this song. The words are powerful and not to be taken lightly... God is good.”
• Richard: “I’m grateful that this song has been with me for every season of my life so far.”
• Mary: “The kingdom of GOD is in our HEARTS. GOD is LOVE and dwells in every loving heart, so LOVE here and now.”

And that’s exactly what I tried to do this past weekend. I invited my mum to visit our new home, and we spent two wonderful days together, making every moment count and the kind of memories I’ll treasure forever. I can’t think of a better use of my time.

So make the most of your time. Don’t waste it. Live so fully in the present that you can say from your heart, ” I wish this day would never end.”