Quality Time

School holidays are such a great opportunity for catching up and spending quality time with loved ones. This week, we had the pleasure of hosting my son Onosa’i, and their four boys as they visited for the holidays. We made the most of it, taking on the challenge of walking up Mt Maunganui, running and cycling around the beautiful tracks in Bethlehem and Matua, and exploring several adventure playgrounds along the way. 

Family movie night was on the menu and of course plenty of time around the dining table, chatting and eating – a lot of eating! They even joined in with the Tuesday community lunch, singing a couple of songs for our guests. Overall, it was such a blessing to reconnect with our grandchildren.

Yesterday, I took a funeral service for a man only in his early 60s. His four children all took part, and one of his sons shared the gospel message his father had asked him to deliver. The father, a believer, wasn’t concerned for himself—he knew he was going to meet his Maker—but for those gathered. His son quoted him, saying, “I know where I’m going, but how about you?”

Two very different moments, yet each offers a powerful reminder. None of us know when our time will come, as Ecclesiastes tells us there’s a season for everything—a time to laugh and have fun, and a time to weep. So, brothers and sisters, as we’ve been reflecting in James, let’s put aside our differences, forgive freely, and make the most of the time we have with our loved ones. Time is fleeting, let’s cherish it while we can

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, ….there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. (Ecclesiastes 3:4,7,12 NIV)

Paul also writes “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7 NIV)

Blessings to you all!