By: Carissa Lovvorn
We spend so much of our lives working toward deadlines that we sometimes forget which one matters most.
I had several writing assignments due towards the end of October. At the beginning of the month, I planned my writing schedule and felt like I had plenty of time to get everything done. Then came an upper respiratory virus that was going around, followed by a nasty secondary infection. I spent almost two weeks feeling feverish, groggy, and voiceless, wanting nothing more than to crawl back into bed as soon as I woke up. The looming assignments were always on my mind, but I could barely form a thought, let alone write.
After a quick trip to the doctor and a course of antibiotics, I finally turned a corner and started feeling like myself again. However, with the deadlines quickly approaching, I felt overwhelmed trying to meet them. “What was I thinking?” and “Why did I put this much on myself?” kept running through my mind until, one day, I asked myself a different question. “Am I so focused on meeting the deadlines in front of me that I’m losing sight of the purpose behind them?”
Interruptions are a normal part of life. Sickness, injury, career loss, and financial constraints are just a few examples of circumstances that can alter our plans. Yet even with these disruptions, we still have our heavenly assignments. The Bible calls us to love the Lord our God with all our hearts, souls, and minds and to love others. We’re also called to use our spiritual gifts to serve those around us and to go forth and make disciples of all nations.
Not only should we continue to pursue these tasks when faced with disruptions, we should do so with urgency. As James 4:14 reminds us, our lives are but vapor in the grand design, a mist that appears for a short while then quickly vanishes. Whatever circumstances we face, we should faithfully pursue what He has entrusted to us, mindful that our time is limited. Take Moses for example. He pleaded with the Lord in prayer, “Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12 NIV). Similarly, Ephesians 5:15–16 instructs us to live wisely, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity…”
We should also practice gratitude, both for our responsibilities and our blessings. As Paul wrote in his letter to the people of Colossae, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17).
So let us work wholeheartedly until the final assignment is due. The one where we meet our Father at the gates of Heaven and make an account for lives. I personally hope to hear, “…well done my good and faithful servant…” In the meantime, I will continue to pursue my assignments both earthly and heavenly with wisdom, diligence, and gratitude.
Blessings,
Carissa Lovvorn
