Last night I had a dream within a dream.

As is often the case with dreams, many of the details have already faded. Yet one part remains vivid in my mind. In the first dream, there was some message or certainty that Jesus was returning on Wednesday. Today is Monday, so in the dream there was a strong conviction that His return was only two days away.

Then I awoke—but only into another dream.

In this second dream, a question immediately arose:

What am I going to do between now and Wednesday?

What would I do with the time I had left? What would become my focus? I vaguely remember discussing this with Michelle, though the details are unclear. The central question remained: What are we going to do with whatever time remains?

Of course, Scripture teaches that we do not know the day or hour of Christ’s return. Jesus Himself said that no one knows the exact time. There will not be an advance announcement giving us a specific date. His return will come suddenly and unexpectedly.

Yet the dream raised a question that remains important regardless of timing.

Whether I have an hour, two days, a year, ten years, or fifty years left, what should I do with that time? What should be my focus? What truly matters?

As I reflected on the dream after waking, my thoughts turned to Jesus’ commission to His followers before His ascension. He told them to go into all the world, make disciples, baptize, and teach. Their mission was clear: to share the good news and point others to God.

I also thought of William Miller, one of the pioneers of the Seventh-day Adventist movement. He repeatedly felt impressed by God to “go tell it to the world.” He wrestled with that calling for a long time before finally surrendering and sharing the message he believed God had given him.

That same question lingered with me:

What am I supposed to do with the time I have?

Life is full of competing demands. Family responsibilities, work responsibilities, household projects, ministry opportunities, and countless needs all vie for attention. There is always more that could be done than there is time to do it.

Even when we know that God should be first, it can still be difficult to discern what that looks like in practice. There are so many people who need help, encouragement, teaching, or support. The opportunities seem endless. How do I know which things God is calling me to do?

The lesson I took from this dream is that I need to spend more time seeking God directly. I need to pray more intentionally and ask Him for wisdom regarding how to use the time He has given me. I want to understand how to invest my days most effectively for His glory.

The amount of time remaining is not the main issue. Whether it is short or long, I want it to be spent speaking His name, serving His purposes, and pointing others toward Him.

The dream also reminded me that this world is not my permanent home. It is temporary. Heaven is the lasting reality toward which we are moving.

My thoughts then turned to my family—Michelle and the children.

Lately I have felt some stress regarding the conflicts that naturally arise between the kids: the arguments, hurtful words, frustrations, and struggles that come with growing up. These are normal parts of childhood, yet they raise an important question for me as a father.

How do I guide them well?

How do I give grace while still providing meaningful discipline? How do I help shape their character without crushing their spirit? How do I teach them to love one another, show respect, extend forgiveness, and follow God?

If this life is temporary, then one of the most important responsibilities I have is helping prepare my children not merely for success in this world, but for eternity.

I want to raise children who love God, treat others with kindness, show grace, and reflect Christ in their lives.

And I want to grow in my ability to do that well.

Prayer:
Lord, teach me how to use the time You have given me. Help me focus on what matters most. Give me wisdom to know where You are calling me to invest my energy, my attention, and my gifts. Help me lead my family well, love them faithfully, and point them toward You. May whatever time remains be spent for Your glory. Amen.