I was talking with Rick and sharing how I felt I had wasted all this time not fully surrendered to God. Time wasted seeking worldly solutions for spiritual needs instead of seeking to know more of the Lord. I was expressing my eagerness just to know what next step God has for me. You know, let's just get on with it, Lord, I am here! Send Me! moment.
And then Rick shared a story his aunt had recently told him.
His aunt and uncle had taken a trip to the Bahamas several years ago. She recalled how beautifully primitive it was on the island. No phones or television to distract from the tranquility. Â No cars, barely a road, you walked everywhere you needed to go. There was only a small store nearby for supplies and you bought bread and other produce from locals' homes.
They rented a boat and a small house. Fished for their food. Spent evenings stargazing on the roof top. She described it as one of her most favorite trips ever taken.Â
One day she was walking the small road and soaking in the beauty of the island. She came upon a man. He was working intently, carefully knotting twine. A multitude of small knotted squares. She stopped and asked him what he was doing. He said he was making a fishing net. She asked how much time does it take you to make that net, you know, to tie all those squares of knots. With that question, he looked up at her and said, "What is time? I need a net."
Wow, just wow.
Now you can look at it like, how nice it might be to not keep track of time. To just take whatever time necessary to do or make what you need or want. To be so laid back and out of the hustle and bustle of life.
But in that moment I heard, no time is wasted. God worked all things together for good. All my experiences, mistakes, failures, successes, everything. He used all that time every minute to make me into the beautiful net He needed. Mind you He is still tying up knots in me, or unraveling them, whatever is necessary. For nets that are used, often need mending. Lord, I want to be used by you! Keep using me and mending me.
He is doing the same with you. All your time is not wasted.