In the Psalms we can clearly see how varied the emotions of God’s children can be. David tells how he found the joy of believing in his life. When sin stung his heart, he suffered from it. When he received his sins forgiven, he rejoiced that grace belonged also to him, a fallen one (Ps. 32).

Simon, a Pharisee, desired to invite Jesus to come sit at meat with him. Simon and others in the city had heard of Jesus and His teachings. Simon wanted to listen and discuss with Jesus, which in itself is a good thing to do. However, when we note what happened during the meal, it is plain to see where Simon’s faith was. Simon, like all Pharisees, lived a self-righteous life. He felt that through his good works he had attained a higher status than the sinful woman. God does not give faith according to social status or good works, but rather to those who seek His kingdom. Simon wondered why Jesus would allow such a sinful one to touch Him. He was like the priest and the Levite in the parable of the good Samaritan. He would not associate with people of what he perceived a lower class (Luke 10:30–36).

Is time something we have control over? We often think we do. It is valuable; therefore, we have our calendars and reminders, timers and stopwatches. Time moves on, like a stream, fast forward, it seems. We are on a journey through the time that has been given to each of us whether long, short, rough or smooth. However, we are not holding the controls, even if we would wish to. Here in what may be called mid-life, I recall that once there was a time when I really thought the ‘pause’ button had jammed.