I astound myself when I step back and consider how I perceive various people, events and situations. Quickly wondering, I form my opinion and move on. Hold on a hot minute. Stop. Think. Yes, actually consider a broader scope of things.

The pace many of us live gives us little time to actually pause. Consider my hasty decision or opinion? No time. On to the next thing. How much have I missed in my quest to tackle the list, the project and the calendar demands? I have been slow to learn the value of each moment God has given me. Remember the hourglass? The sand trickles down and when the grains of sand have fallen into the bottom, times up! Zip. Zero. Nada. Goodness, would having a physical hourglass keep me in a state of awareness? My time in this life will eventually be gone and I will be no more. “The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.” Psalm 103:15-16

As our church continues looking at The Journey - the life of Joseph, we see Jacob making his final wishes known to his favored son. Jacob (Israel) retells his life story, a portion of it, to Joseph. Heritage was valued in those times; unlike the world we live in today. Jacob blesses Joseph’s two sons, yet not in the traditional sense. He gives the greater blessing to the younger of the two, not holding to the tradition of the firstborn son having the birthright. Just like Jacob's story played out. He was the younger brother who weaseled his way into the birthright. (Go back to Genesis for the complete story) A deep, in depth study may well uncover more of the details than I will bring out here.

Jacob tells his son Joseph, about the unwritten agreement he made to purchase the cave for burial. When contractual terms were reached in those days, ceremony and integrity were involved. Not legal documentation to be scoured over, looking for loopholes. No. A man’s word, the integrity of him personally, and the integrity of his family line were better than a big bank account or a wall of degrees and accolades.

Once Joseph knew where Jacob wanted his bones to rest, he had Joseph swear an oath. “Yes, my Father, I will do as you ask.” I believe it never entered Joseph’s mind to pull one over on his elderly father. I firmly believe that Joseph would never consider anything other than fulfilling his oath.

"When Jacob had finished commanding his sons, he drew his feet into the bed and breathed his last and was gathered to his people." Genesis 49:33

Jacob’s life is done. The dreams an adolescent Joseph had, were fulfilled in God's time and in God's plan. Decades longer than most of us would have preferred. When the hourglass of my life has emptied, I pray I will have finished well, in step with my Creator.

Jacob messed up. Joseph was an arrogant youth and grew into a man of God. Only One has lived a perfect life. Jesus Christ, the King of kings. The rest of us will crawl, stumble, fall and get back up numerous times. That’s okay! Keep walking. Get up when you fall. Look to your Creator and ask for the strength to live in a way that honors Him. Integrity. Heritage. Honor and respect are priceless. The hourglass of my life can only be seen by God. I could have decades or moments left. Either way, I hope that I leave a legacy that leads to Jesus.

Have you given consideration to how you are living? Does the time in your days leave you wondering what impact you are making? Why or why not?

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