On many occasions over the years, I have used this text to emphasize the importance of being faithful in witnessing to our unsaved loved ones and friends.  It is a good text, and that is a valid use of it.  But there are other applications which might be made.

    I will be attending the funeral of a friend this afternoon.  He was a preacher and pastor in this area when Pat and I moved here.  When he and I met, we were friends immediately.  And when our wives were added, the friendship broadened.  I am enriched by that friendship.

    I am glad my friend was a Christian and a faithful servant in the Lord’s vineyard.  It is a com- fort to know that he is in the presence of the Lord forever, and that I will see him again someday.  His funeral today will have its measure of sadness, but there will also be the note of celebration because of these things.

    But I have some regrets.

    My friend was sick for quite a while before he died.  We made arrangements to go see him, but it didn’t work out..  And as  we were “busy here and there, he was gone.”

    I can’t change my failure to visit with my friend.  He is gone.  But I can resolve to learn from the experience so I won’t repeat the mistake.  There are so many important things I need to do and want to do, but I am so busy here and there that the opportunities are often lost forever.

    Now there is nothing wrong with being busy here and there.  I agree with the thought that it is better to wear out than to rust out.  Having things to do helps give life point and purpose.  I don’t think I could be content doing nothing, or indulging myself with some pastime.  I like to be busy doing things I feel are important.  But everyone has to make choices, because none of us has unlimited time.

    Sometimes I have not made wise choices.

    There were so many things I missed when our sons were boys because I was too busy.  I can’t do anything about that.  But I can try to be a good father now.  There have been many lonely hours for my wife because I was too busy.  I can’t make up for them, but I can be with her now...

    What I really need to do is to take a hard look at my priorities, so I can learn to say no to some things that I do not need to be doing (even though they are important) because the doing of them robs me of the time and energy to do some other things that are more important to me at this point in life.

    Perhaps you will join me.