Many years ago my oldest daughter and I went on a mission trip to Jamaica with Mark B Danzey and a bus load of other folks from Bethany United Methodist and Jefferson United Methodist Church. It was an awesome experience to say the least.

While there we helped build school rooms and conducted daily Bible studies and nightly worship services. The culture there was extremely relaxed and laid back. No one seemed rushed and hurried. It was so different from the rush and go lifestyle we were use to living here.

I can remember a time when my life was lived constantly in a rush. I hurried from place to place stressing myself out over this and that constantly. I thought that was the way life was supposed to be. It’s not. Yes, we are to be productive and useful, but we aren’t supposed to be consumed by our work. We are not supposed to neglect what is important — time. Time with our children and family. Time alone with God.

How fast did my time with my children slip by? It seems now as though it was gone in an instant. I would give anything to go back work less and adore my children more. Time with my Daddy and my brother who are gone I realize now I should have savored it so my memories would be many.

My life is relatively calm now. I relish patiently ever minute I have with my family and friends. I appreciate each day and hour I am given to share with them. I finally realize life is not to be rushed or taken lightly for none of us are promised tomorrow.