The Time In Between (and How Far You've Come)

Did you ever experience something that triggered a memory from years earlier that you hadn’t thought about in years? I had one such experience recently, and it made me realize that we need to be grateful for, and reflect upon, “the time in between” certain events in our lives.

I was in my car with the rest of my team from work, having just parked, preparing to meet with one of our clients to provide some training. Before we exited the car, I said, “Let’s pray quick, before we go inside.” In the moment, I was extremely appreciative to be part of a team that was so eager to join me in that prayer.

The next morning, as I was reflecting on the previous day, and specifically that prayer, the Lord reminded me of something that had taken place nearly 34 years ago.

Rewind to my Junior year in college. (OK, so it may have been my third attempt at being a Junior, but that’s another story – many of them actually – for another time.) I was in my first semester at Palm Beach Atlantic College (now a University.) At PBA there is a requirement they call Workship, where you do volunteer work (as worship) for a certain number of hours during the semester. Since it was my first semester there, I wasn’t really sure what to expect.

I honestly can’t remember where we were going to serve that day; It may have been helping at a Special Olympics bowling event, or helping out at a local plant nursery (for some reason those two days stick out to me.) What I do vividly remember, though, is getting in someone’s car to drive from campus to the location where we were going to serve.

As we entered the car of the girl that was driving – I didn’t know her, or any of the other two or three in the car that day – very well. We were all just signed up for the same opportunity. As we started to back out of the parking space, she stopped suddenly. Then she said, “We should pray first! Bud, would you lead us in prayer?” I was not expecting that. I was not prepared for it, nor did I feel very confident in doing so. But I did it. I have no recollection of the words The Lord put in my mouth that day, but I said them.

This is what God was having me reflect on the other day… Two events, over 30 years apart. Similar in nature. But when I think about how far He has brought me in those 30 plus years, it astounds me. I started recalling all of the ways He has moved in my life over that time. Through the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Part of this reflection was about me. Selfish, in the sense of thinking how my faith has grown during that time. When I first stepped onto PBA’s campus (you can read more about that here, if you like), I knew that God wanted me there – I heard His voice letting me know it was where I was supposed to be – but my faith was in its adolescent stage, at best, during that time in my life.

Mostly, though, this reflection was about Him. And what HE has done over that time. The people He has brought into my life. The storms He brought me through. The blessings He has poured out. The daily awareness that He is always there – whether I always recognize it, or not.

And herein lies the lesson He taught me that day – and that I want to share with you: Remember, reflect and respond…

Remember the things that The Lord has brought you through and done for you.

Reflect on what it’s meant in turning the former you into the current you.

Respond. What should you do with it? What does He require of you now? What is He asking you to do today?

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. (John 14:26 ESV)

I reflect at night on who you are, O Lord; therefore, I obey your instructions. (Psalm 119:55 NLT)

Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.” (Luke 11:28 NLT)

You probably don’t have to go back 30 years (some of you reading this won’t even have that big a timeframe to work with!), but I hope you spend a few minutes in the next day or so remembering and reflecting. If you do take the time, stop and camp there for a while. Spend some time thanking Him. Tell Him what it means to you. Tell Him how grateful you are. And I’d be willing to bet that He will let you know what your next step – your response – should be.

I pray this is helpful and brings hope to you today.

I want to thank a friend of mine for their continuing encouragement to put pen to paper – or more accurately, fingertip to keyboard – and write these thoughts as they come about. If it were not for their precious prompting during a conversation this morning, this would probably never have been written. Thank you L.