Times change and one generation’s meaningful metaphors are lost on the next. In an urban age of dizzying technological advances, Internet access, and an endless array of devices, earthy agricultural references lose their impact. This is lamentable since life lessons are prominently symbolized by agrarian practices in the Bible. Many colorful expressions and illustrations picture prosperity on one hand and deprivation on the other, offering spiritual lessons to be learned from each.

Following nearly a decade of drought, Queensland received much needed rain last month—rain that has brought with it more disaster (CNN, February 13, 2019)! The devastating rains on the parched land brought tremendous flooding that subsequently drowned and starved almost a half-million head of cattle. Photos from the air show dead cows huddled together to avoid rising waters and the driving rain and cold.

December saw a unique turn of events in Guyana’s government. A quick party switch by one MP in a no-confidence vote brought down the entire government (Judicial Watch, February 6, 2019). Allegations of corruption and bribery are flying, and the MP responsible fled to Canada after attempting to purchase $1,000,000 worth of gold. Guyana is a small, poor South American nation with a history of governmental problems, yet with vast, untapped resources.

On June 24, 1987, American icon Jackie Gleason passed away. He left a mark on a nation and on multiple generations, and coined the phrase “How sweet it is!” As a very young man, Mr. Gleason started out doing nightclub comedy shows and radio gigs. He eventually got his big break, starring on TV in 1949 and going on to feature in several well-known movies.

If time is money, as the old saying goes, then God pays us a daily “income” of 86,400 seconds! Just how valuable is that time—and what can help you to control how you spend it?