Randy Stinson counts time with marbles. He doesn't multiply them for moments passed — that would require A LOT of marbles — he subtracts. At the start of every week, he throws a round orb into the trash. The number of marbles in his desk-top jar shrinks by one each Monday. And the few that remain mark time: one marble for each week he has with his eldest daughter before she goes off to college.
The plink, plink of a marble dropping to the bottom of a pail is an audible reminder, as tangible as the progressively lower level in his marble jar. Both remind him to make the most of what time remains.
It's his way of living out Moses' prayer in Psalm 90:12, "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Still occupying toddler time as I do, a parallel universe where the minutes c-r-a-w-l but the years fly, his practice is a needed reminder.
When I first heard about the marble jar, a little panic gripped my heart. I know I'll be saying goodbye to our children in what will feel like the blink of an eye. But then I also rejoiced that I heard about it while they're still young — while I still have time to be intentional about enjoying our time together, not just counting down the minutes till nap time.
I love what Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 5:19,
Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work — this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.
For more hearty goodness about time, tune into Andy Stanley's current series, The Time of Your Life.
Love your photos. And your words. And you!
Posted by: Celesta Brown | 09/20/2010 at 02:23 PM
Lovin' you right back! We listened to part 2 of the Time series last week! But then got too busy to finish. Haha. :)
Posted by: Candice Watters | 09/20/2010 at 03:06 PM
great post! would you please come and see us already?!
Hugs.
K
Posted by: Katie Seevers | 09/21/2010 at 05:25 AM