John 9:4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me; but night is coming when no one can work.
Milne's "sunset feeling" is a powerful deterrent against mediocrity and procrastination. We often use "conditions not being ripe" as an excuse to delay our mission, but Milne, even as his life's flame extinguished, chose to burn his last bit of "oil." He understood that the value of service lies not in seeing the project completed, but in whether, along his own journey, he has lit a lamp for those who follow. Perfectionism is often the enemy of submission. We don't have to wait until we're old and gray to make up for our regrets; we should do our utmost today to illuminate the path ahead.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sounding the alarm bells of my soul once again through Miltiades' last letter. Lord, forgive me for always wasting time in comfort, always wanting to wait until everything is perfect before setting out. Grant me the urgency to "work while the day is shining," so that I may value the "oil" I have at hand, however weak, and be willing to burn it out completely for You. Lord Jesus, bless our ministry so that my delays will not harm it. May my life, when I depart this world to meet You, be without unfinished business, only with the peace of having completed my journey. Make me a light for those who come after me, illuminating that small patch of barren land. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.