Finding the Time

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. 

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Last fall my husband had a stress test which he failed. This was a surprise to us since he had not had any chest pains. Occasionally he had felt a little tightness in his chest, but we thought nothing of it. Other tests revealed that he had three blocked arteries. So, triple by-pass surgery was scheduled in October.

As the physicians talked with us, I began thinking, goodness, we don't have time for this. Surgery and recovery are not on our calendar. We began to think of the activities that we would have to cancel or change.

While my husband was in surgery, I started making a list of the changes we would have to make. We even had to cancel two trips. Again I am thinking, this is really affecting our routine and our schedule.

Our eyes were opened to see just how busy we are. Sometimes God has to "still" us to get our attention. He got our attention! If we aren't careful, we can make an idol of routine and schedules. Each day presents a different set of circumstances. We need some still time to enhance our awareness of God's presence with us.

One of my goals this year is to do a better job of time management. All of us are "too busy"-don't you get tired of saying and hearing those words? Perhaps you want to join me and work on managing your time in a better way.

I think it is a good idea to take a "time inventory" every few months. How am I spending my time? Where is my energy going? Am I spending too much time on only what I want to do?  Am I making time for my family and friends? Most of all, am I spending time each day with God?

These questions give us much to think about. Is God pleased with how you spend the 24 hours He gives you each day?

Father, I pray that You will guide me each day to do what glorifies You. Help me to spend my time more wisely.

Georgia Andrus