Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.  Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit…  Ephesians 5:15-19

I probably never thought very carefully about what Paul meant here when he said, “the days are evil.”  I’m sure I vaguely assumed it was a reference to sexual immorality, greed, injustice, and the like.  However, I’ve recently come to see that it also includes the ways we waste the time God has given us on the inconsequential.  I don’t mean the petty logistics of life (though I’m sure I spend way too much time in the kitchen!) or any specific pastime, and any one topic of conversation isn’t necessarily bad just because it’s trivial.  There is joy in sharing life with friends, both the deep things God is doing and also the silly little details that help us know each other.  But there are so many relationships and circumstances where the conversation determinedly, doggedly remains superficial.  When I look at this passage, it breaks my heart to think of all that wasted time (“evil days”) foolishly leaving God out of everyday life.  While I don’t want to be that person who awkwardly, artificially brings “spiritual” comments into every conversation, I do want to make the most of every opportunity, to share the life God has given and to be alert for openings for more meaningful conversations.  I am especially grateful for those people who are willing to share questions, struggles, and the walk with God together with me.