NASA astronaut Scott Kelly returned from space after a year of orbiting the earth. He has an identical twin brother. I can identify with that because I have an identical twin. One of us is smart and the other one is handsome. I’m the handsome one.

    Because of the speed at which Scott had been traveling, scientists say that he’s 1/100th of a second younger than the twin brother who remained back on earth. This effect of speed upon time is exactly what Einstein predicted. Time is the fourth dimension that we humans can measure. Physicists think there are more dimensions we can’t detect. I suspect they are right. I believe the spiritual dimension called heaven is in a higher plane than ours, and it is timeless. God dwells there.

    When my children were young, time passed by slowly. It felt like we had all the time in the world, with unlimited possibilities. Now that I’m nearer to the other end of the scale, time moves faster. I hope I can do everything I once dreamed of. Memorable moments are more precious. I told a friend recently, “Your grandchildren are your reward for not killing your children!” My patience has increased with my years.

    Whether you are a parent or not, the way we experience the passage of time is personal. If you stay busy, time passes quickly. If you get bored, time moves slowly, like cold molasses for Yankees; like bottled ketchup for Southerners. In this modern world, there are so many distractions, activities, and swirling events that it’s hard to keep a good perspective. The daily lives of people are swamped with too much input. The data becomes a blur like watching scenery through the window of a passenger train speeding past the landscape. To clearly see, you really need to go to the front or the end of the train. Teachers look back; prophets look forward. Both impart a viewpoint that’s needed otherwise you’re stuck with blurry vision like a child glued to the window of a car.

    Jesus spoke to some religious folks who failed to see into their times. They had blurry vision. He said you can look at the clouds and forecast rain, but you can’t figure out the events predicted by the prophets as it happens right in front of you! What an indictment. The fact is; busyness blinds us to rapid changes, good or bad.

    All around us, the world is quickly changing. We stick our head in the sand. We go to work or school, eat, sleep and soak up mindless entertainment and become more and more oblivious to reality. Not only is the world changing…the rate of change itself has increased. Our assumptions about the way the world works and our ability to count on it to remain predictable has become cloudy. Where to invest? Who to marry? Which career path is better? Where is it safest to live? Buy a home or rent? Vote Democratic or Republican? Or after the election move to Canada? Where are we headed on this train?

    I’m glad for a few anchors in my life that will not change. I’m convinced my wife will always love me. She’s proven that a thousand times! Other things are vital too; like knowing God’s word is true, that Jesus is alive, that He saved me.  

    One day, all of us will see the King return in glory. Some will cower while others will worship. Then judgment begins. The wicked will not escape when the Lord returns to rule the nations with a rod of iron. Many chaotic nations are in urgent need now of new government. It will be by The Great King’s righteous rule of steel and velvet.

    Ron Wood is a writer, teacher, and minister. He and Lana live in Arkansas near their six lovely grandchildren. Write him at wood.stone.ron@gmail.com. For more articles