“Don’t Blink”

Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in every situation because
this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

September 6, 2023

I’ve never been a huge country music fan, but I appreciate all genres of music.  However, there are a few country music songs out there that I do enjoy.  One of them is a song by Kenny Chesney called “Don’t Blink.”  It’s a song that causes the listener to potentially reflect on how fast life can be at time and, if you blink, you might miss out on some things. Here are some lyrics that come from this song:

So don’t blink, ’cause just like that you’re six years old and you take a nap.
And you wake up and you’re twenty-five
And your high school sweetheart becomes your wife
Don’t blink, you just might miss
Your babies growing like mine did
Turning into moms and dads
Next thing you know your better half
Of fifty years is there in bed
And you’re praying God takes you instead
Trust me friend a hundred years
Goes faster than you think, so don’t blink.

This morning, I had one of those “don’t blink” moments;  Elizabeth started first grade!  Last night, we packed her lunch together, read a book about going to first grade, and I tucked her into her bed.  These are special moments that I want to embrace and cherish always!

I think of the verse in 1 Thessalonians that talks about giving thanks to God in all circumstances.  Sometimes that is easier said than done!  However, it is not difficult for me at all to give thanks to God for my little girl.

Many of you know how fast time goes from your own experience with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  Sometimes the old saying is true, isn’t it?  The days are long but the years are short.  What is it that you are giving thanks to God for on this day? Perhaps it’s God’s love, health, family, church family, or friends.  Perhaps it’s the sunshine in the sky or the stars in the evening.  Let us embrace the moment because, as Kenny Chesney says, time “goes faster than you think, so don’t blink.”  May we all give thanks to God for the “major” things and for the “little” things.  After all, this is God’s will for us in Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Jake