Right Thing, Wrong Time

Bible Reading: ECCLESIASTES 3:1-11

Rubbing the last of the toothpaste stains on her sleeve, Stephanie checked herself in the bathroom mirror one last time. Probably nobody would even notice. She rushed into the hallway toward Mom’s impatient calling.

“Stephanie, come on! It’s time to leave for—what happened to your uniform?”

Stephanie stopped with a grimace. “I…I tried to wash my face, brush my teeth, and get dressed at the same time. I thought it would get me a few extra minutes to play.” Sighing, she looked down at the greenish splotches on her bright yellow polo. “Instead it just got me messy. I’m sorry.”

Mom chuckled. “It’s all right. You did the right things—just at the wrong time.” After ducking into the kitchen, Mom emerged with a damp cloth and scrubbed at the toothpaste. “It’s coming out, but your shirt will be wet for a while. I’ll turn up the air in the minivan so it’ll dry on the way.”

Chloe, Stephanie’s older sister, sneered. “Aw, then we don’t get to see the look on everyone’s face when she walks into school like that!”

Stephanie took the cloth to the hamper. “Thanks, Mom.”

The sisters belted themselves into their seats, Chloe laughing. “You’re so silly, Stephanie. Messing up your uniform just for a little extra playtime.”

Mom punched the button to close the garage door and pulled the minivan out of the driveway. “Now, Chloe. Play isn’t a bad thing.”

“Really? Then why are we going to school? Why can’t we play all day long?”

“Because there’s a time for school and a time for play. Playtime comes after school, when your mind is tired and needs a break.”

“I never thought of it that way,” said Chloe. “That’s pretty neat.”

Mom nodded. “It’s not just neat, it’s beautiful! God has appointed a time for all good things. He loves us and provides for us, and His timing is perfect. Instead of trying to do things on our own schedule, we need to trust Him to help us do the right things at the right time.”

Looking down at the wet splotch on her shirt, Stephanie smirked. “Yeah. And as I just learned, when you do the right thing at the wrong time, it isn’t so beautiful.” JOHN LEATHERMAN

How About You?

Does it ever seem like you don’t have enough time? Do you want to rush through the difficult or boring parts of your life so you can get to the things you want to do? Remember that God in His wisdom has appointed a time for everything. When you do things according to His schedule, He’ll provide what you need when you need it. Trust His timing.

Today’s Key Verse:
ECCLESIASTES 3:11 [GOD] HAS MADE EVERYTHING BEAUTIFUL IN ITS TIME. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Trust God’s timing