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There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens Ecclesiastes 3:1

Frank was in his yard one afternoon setting up an old-fashioned sundial. Curious, his neighbor wandered over and asked, “What’s that for?” Frank, eager to explain, said, “The sun hits that little triangular spike and casts a shadow on the face of the sundial. As the sun moves, the shadow moves across the dial, showing the correct time.” The neighbor shook his head and muttered, “What will they think of next?”

It's a funny response — after all, sundials have been around for thousands of years. But it highlights something deeper about our relationship with time: we’re often focused on the newest, fastest, and most efficient ways to keep track of it, yet we rarely stop to consider how we’re using the time we’ve been given.

We’ve gone from sundials to smartwatches, from day planners to digital reminders that buzz in our pockets. We know down to the second when our next meeting begins or when our package will arrive. But knowing the time is not the same as understanding the moment.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that time itself is a gift from God — and that every moment has purpose. There is “a time for everything,” whether it’s working, resting, laughing, grieving, building, or letting go. But recognizing that requires more than just keeping track of the hours — it takes wisdom, discernment, and a heart tuned to God’s rhythm.

It’s easy to fill our days with busy schedules and constant activity. But even the most advanced clock won’t help us live wisely if we don’t pause to ask God how we should be spending the time he has given us.

Take a moment to consider: Are there areas in your life where you're racing through the hours without purpose? Are you giving time to what matters most — faith, family, rest, and service — or just letting the days fly by?

Whether you’re measuring time with a sundial or a smartwatch, the important question isn’t “What time is it?”, but “What is this time for?”

- alan smith

Father, thank you for the time you’ve given me today — each hour, each moment, each breath. Let me honor you with the minutes you’ve placed in my hands. Slow me down when I’m rushing past what really matters. In Jesus’ name, amen.