Dear Next Generation: Redeem the Time—A Message for My Young Friends

Once time is spent, it’s gone forever. Use it wisely.

Dear Next Generation, an advice column from readers to young people. Photo by Shutterstock

Wow, how could four decades have passed since I was a young 20-something serving in the U.S. Navy? I’m sure it was just yesterday!

That’s how I felt when my husband and I visited a military base recently while on vacation. I witnessed young military men and women bustling about the base, while flashbacks to my younger self scrolled through my thoughts like a rousing movie. Young, fit, mission-focused. This scene captured my soul—freezing it in time—to remind me that life is brief and that we must redeem our treasured time.

We each have the gift of 168 hours in a week. Perhaps that sounds like a lot, but think about one week ago today, or even one day ago—that time is gone and completely spent. With what time we have, I encourage my readers to think about this gift. Would you say your use of time is meaningful or frivolous? What can you do to make better use of your time?

The Bible offers ageless wisdom, advising youth to remember and know their creator—God—and honor him while in their youth (Ecclesiastes 12:1b and 12:6). There’s a temptation to “let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator” (Ecclesiastes 12:1a). You can receive God’s wisdom by praying and asking him what his purposes and plans are for you. He has a dream for each one of you and would love for you to invite him into your decision-making!

I’ve certainly not done everything flawlessly in my life, but I’ve been intentional about seeking and serving God to discover his plans and purposes for me. Our choices matter—every choice matters. I didn’t want to look back at a journey of regrets, and that drive has resulted in a blessed life. A quote from Mother Teresa, an Albanian Indian Catholic nun and missionary, encourages us: “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”

So enjoy your life as you make wise decisions to redeem your precious gift of time. Avoid squandering your moments and watch how your life transforms into a rich and memorable existence for yourself, all those in your sphere of influence, and those who are yet to come!

Christine Strittmatter, New Jersey

___________

What advice would you like to give to the younger generations?

We call on all of our readers to share the timeless values that define right and wrong and pass the torch, if you will, through your wisdom and hard-earned experience. We feel that the passing down of this wisdom has diminished over time and that only with a strong moral foundation can future generations thrive.

Send your advice, along with your full name, state, and contact information to [email protected] or mail it to: Next Generation, The Epoch Times, 5 Penn Plaza, Floor 8, New York, NY 10001.