Time waits for no one. It is always moving along. An old hymn says, "Time, like an ever-rolling stream, bears all its sons away…" Time reminds us of what didn't get done, or what needs to be done. Time bears witness to opportunities lost. Time is also a tool for planning, so that opportunities are used well. Our Scripture reading gives us a few important words to associate with time:

Season (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Many situations, good or bad, are things that don't last forever. Some things go in cycles. It is called "a time" - a period or season that will pass and then lead to another period or season of time. We need to be patient, faithful, careful, and hopeful. We need to be good managers of moments. See Psalm 90:12; Ephesians 5:14-17.

Purpose (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 14)

Though situations come upon us unexpectedly, or unwanted, we need to consider the Lord as our manager, shepherd, and teacher. He has a purpose for what is happening. Everything is part of a bigger greater plan that will end well, if you are a lover of the Lord and have followed His call. See Psalm 23:1-6; 34:19; 37:1-11, 22-28; Romans 8:28-29; Matthew 16:24-26; John 16:33; II Corinthians 4:13-18; Hebrews 13:20-21; I Peter 5:10; I John 2:15-17.

Profit (Ecclesiastes 3:9)

This is a big subject in the book of Ecclesiastes. The first chapter starts with the seemingly endless cycles of the natural elements and all of the work that goes along with it. "Vanity," "vexation of spirit," "grasping at the wind," all these words / phrases are used to describe the feeling of meaninglessness that can overwhelm a person. "Is life worth living?" "Does anything have lasting value?" "Is anything profitable?" Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 tells us to be sure and enjoy the short-term pleasures that come with life. At the same time, the purpose of this book is to teach people to work towards the long-term pleasure and profit of fearing the Lord and seeking to honor, follow, and serve Him. This, of course, can only be done through Christ. See Ecclesiastes 1:1-15; 2:24; 5:18-19; 9:9-10; 12:1, 13-14; John 6:26-35; 15:1-8.

His time (Ecclesiastes 3:10-11)

All time belongs to God. All events in time, no matter how terrible, are a part of His plan. Perhaps it should be emphasized that much of what is happening in time isn't so much terrible as it is boring! Time is used in laboring and maintaining all the things that require attention. Faith would teach us that there is something beautiful in the work that God has given us. God has provided things for us that are good for us, but they require time and effort. Being busy and industrious is a blessing. Being idle and bored is dangerous! We need to unite with God's purposes and take pleasure in His plan. We need to look for beauty in simple things. See Ecclesiastes 3:14; 7:13-14; Proverbs 6:6-11; 24:30-34; 27:23-27; 28:19; I Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17.

So, how does this apply to Fathers?

A father needs to be a manager of time, so that he can minister to his family.

• He needs to know how to take time for God: to learn from His Word and to "watch and pray."
• He needs to know when it is time to go to work and provide for his family.
• He needs to know when it is time to get things done around the home.
• He needs to know when it is time to stop working and listen to his wife and children.
• He needs to know when it is time to stop working and notice things without his family having to tell him.
• He needs to know when it is time to stop working and have fun.
• He needs to know when it is time to stop having fun and let everyone else have fun with him.
• He needs to be an example to his children and teach them how to manage time.