On the end of the fishing pier, there were about 20 adolescent boys fishing their hearts out. There was no talk of school projects or grades. No talk of girls. No talk of parents or problems at home. Just teenage boys razzing each other and slinging fishing rods over the Atlantic Ocean. Every day for the entire summer they were planning to meet at this pier at sunrise and wait for parents to pick them up at sunset. They were having the time of their lives.
When was the last time you had the time of your life? Hanging out with friends? No cares in the world? When was the last time you had the time of your life in your Christian walk?
While in High School, I had the time of my life every summer for a week at church camp. Started the mornings with a nature walk chat with God and prayer time in small groups followed by group Bible Studies in between playing in the pool during the days, ending with worship songs and smores around a campfire in the evenings. Learning the Word and praising God, while hanging out with my closest friends in the foothills of Mt. Hood, Oregon.
When we’re having the time of our lives, do we even recognize it? Do we know we’re in a moment that won’t ever be recreated? Do those boys know that they are living their best lives getting tan and fishing with one another every day of the summer? Did I know that I was having the time of my life at a summer church camp?
In the months leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion, did the disciples know that they were in a space of time with Christ that could never be recreated? Did they recognize the miracles, the travel, the teachings, even the rebuking for what it was? It was the time of their lives.
They may have missed it. Just like the boys on the fishing pier this summer. Just like me at summer camp.
As summer becomes fuller with activities, I’m praying that you are taking a moment to recognize what is happening around you. Are you living in a moment where you are having the time of your life?
~Emily
Iron Porch 