Out to Pastor
Where Did The Summer Go?
By Dr. James L. Snyder
This past week started out as the best week of the whole year. At least, I thought so at the time.
I finished my book manuscript and sent it to the publisher. I caught up with some other projects that were lagging. And I had time to balance my checkbook. What could be better than that?
The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage came into my office and said, “Why are you smiling so much? Did you win the lottery?”
“No, my dear, I’m just so excited that I’m all caught up with my projects. Now I’m ready for summer to begin.” Then I laughed with a joyful laugh.
“What do you mean you’re ready for summer?” “Like I said, I’m all caught up and now I have the whole summer to really enjoy myself and have a little bit of fun.” Looking at me rather strangely, which is not unusual, she said, “You do know it’s October, don’t you?”
I wish there was a way to freeze time for as long as you want to. If I have a project on a schedule, I could freeze time so that I can be caught up and then come back and unfreeze time.
I sat back in my chair and thought a little bit. How can I keep this from happening again? How can I keep time in hand? It was not that I missed that time; I was focused on some important things then. Sometimes, my priorities overtake what I should be doing. What bothers me is, what did I miss by missing the summer?
Thinking back over that time, I realized I did not miss anything. In fact, The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage is in charge of all our activities, and not one was missed. She has a wonderful way of keeping up a good schedule and balancing our time like nobody I know. I lived through the summer and enjoyed each day of that summer time; it’s just that I was more focused on projects. I wanted to complete each project in good time.
One of the great aspects of getting old is not remembering. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I don’t forget hardly anything; it’s just that many things I don’t remember.
For example, on a Monday morning, The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage will come to my office and say, “Do you remember you have a doctor’s appointment this afternoon?”
In all truth, my not remembering is entirely the fault of The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. The simple fact is I don’t have to remember anything because she remembers everything, and I can depend upon her memory. I can use my memory for better things.
In the morning, I get up, go to my office and prepare for the day, and if there are any appointments for that day, The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage will remind me. So, why do I need to waste my time remembering things like that?
In my thinking, a certain Bible verse came to mind. “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it,” (Psalm 118:24).
I only have one shot at today, and I had better make the most of it. My best shot is to rejoice and be glad in it. This I plan to do.
Dr. James L. Snyder lives in Ocala, FL with the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. Telephone 1- 352-216-3025, e-mail jamessnyder51@gmail.com, website www.jamessnyderministries.com.