Some debate the length of God’s first seven days, but He made two things clear. He created time first, by declaring a beginning. Then, He fashioned everything else within the rhythm of its measured pace.

He granted us free movement through space – left or right, forward or back, climb or dive. On the other hand, He denied us willful motion through time – no ambling earlier, nor racing later. And, no standing still in the moment, either. He strapped us firmly into the one-way, monospeed, nonsteerable, brakeless time-ride. Now, because our calendar says so, we mark the passing of another year. So, what do 12 pages have to do with anything? Seems artificial, almost arbitrary.

Turns out, He placed days and years as signs along the highway. Some, like birthdays, mark traffic flow. Others read like the old Burma Shave slogans with messages of what lies ahead – if you want to eat, plant now. All good to know, but, the recurring cycles mark the most important news. Each new year declares that Jesus replaces old nature with new. He never mutters, remodel, fix, or patch. Rather he shouts, rebirth, new start, and second chance.

So, I’m curious, how does He ask you to manage your portion of creation’s one fixed asset?