The Gift of Time

In the busiest season of the year, who could not use a gift of more time in the day? I certainly could! Instead of 24 hours, could I have 30? Here’s the thing: if I had 30, I’d need (or at least think I’d need) 35 hours in a day. I can always cram more “stuff” into my schedule. Do you think God had me (and you other A-type personalities) in mind when He assigned only 24 hours to each day? Maybe He doesn’t want us to cram as much as possible into each day. Interesting thought…

If God doesn’t want us to fill our day completely with stuff to do, what does He want us to do with the gift of time He has given each of us?

Earlier this year, I wrote a blog on what does God want me to do each day. The premise of the blog was to ask God every morning what He wanted me to do that day. I would listen, and whatever He told me to do, I would do it to the best of my ability with His help. Many days, I ask Him throughout the day, “Is this what You want me to do at this time?” For example, if I realize I actually have an extra hour, I will ask Him, “What do You want me to do during this hour?” I don’t always manage to do this, but I try.

There is also this little word “priorities.” I fully believe that God is a God of order and priorities. So what are our priorities for each day? Obviously, mine will not look like yours, nor yours like mine. Yet, there should be a few priorities that are the same. We should all have our Bible reading/quiet time and prayer time as one of the top priorities on our schedule. If we don’t, we need to re-do our schedule. I realize that some people cannot have their Bible reading and prayer time early in the morning because of their work schedule or other obligations. But those two activities need to be on their schedule. After our Bible reading and prayer times, our schedules will become more individualized as we begin our day. We need to remember throughout the day to “check in with God” and confirm that we are doing what He wants us to do for that time period. After all, He gave us the gift of time. Should we not use it the way He desires us to use it?

Father God, thank You for the gift of time. Thank You that, in Your wisdom, You only gave us 24 hours a day. Help each one of us to use our days to do what You would have us to do. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

MARANATHA!

© December, 2009