It is important to use your time wisely
“Be very careful then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.”
— Ephesians 5:15 (NIV)
As the daylight begins to dwindle away earlier each day, I am reminded another time change is about to take place. This makes me stop and ponder how precious time is.
The older I get, the faster time seems to fly by. Birthdays and anniversaries arrive so often I can barely keep up with them. The months of my favorite seasons disappear so quickly.
The thing God values most is time. It is a priceless possession we should learn to cherish.
I often like to take a look at how I spend my time. I ask myself these questions: “Do I waste my time doing worthless tasks? Will I squander away the valuable moments God has given me by focusing on my difficulties or sulking in self-pity? Have I done anything good for God today?”
Positive things I could do include helping someone else; showing my mate some love and respect; or letting my children know how much I love them.
One of the greatest ways to show God our gratitude is to use our time wisely. Starting out our daily schedule with prayer and a Bible verse can help us line up our day with God’s plan. It can make a difference in how efficient our day flows.
Making a list and prioritizing activities for the day ahead can help us to keep our priorities straight. As we check our list throughout the day and cross off completed tasks, it gives us a sense of accomplishment.
Also, learning to say no to unnecessary tasks without feeling guilty can help us utilize our time better. Setting limits on the amount of time spent on phone calls or refusing to gossip about others or not going over our problems time and again with friends can give us a few precious moments of time back with our family.
Disciplining ourselves to stick with our agenda (whether it be work or time to relax) whenever possible, makes us feel wise with the use of our time.
Ÿ Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. Join Annettee from 3-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at Panera Bread in Round Lake Beach. Presentation is free; registration is preferred due to limited seating. Contact by email Annetteebudzban @aol.com or call (847) 543-8413.