How do you spend your time?
There are two things I read nearly everyday:
Scripture
In one of Seth’s recent blogs, this sentence struck me.
“...the way we spend our time is the way we spend our lives.”
It seems so simple, right? But have you ever thought of it so literally? I keep repeating it in my head as if it’s a new concept - and each time I say it, I think wow, yes it is.
What have I been doing with my time? Where has it gone? Is the way I spend my time honoring my values of how I want to spend my life?
A book I read recently suggested we think about time as “Einstein time.” The concept was we create time. We ARE time.
I’ve heard for years (and even said), “we never get this moment in time back” and “life is short.” But I’m not sure, I’ve actually respected the statements. I live it for a moment then - poof - on to the next thing.
How about this view - what are we “worshipping” with our time? John Mark Comer talks about how we are bogged down by hurry in our society in his book - The ruthless elimination of hurry. We chase after so many of the things that God suggests are not the things we need to be pursuing in our lives - money, clothes, extravagant vacations, toys for entertainment.
No matter your spiritual practices, when you consider your purpose in life, the values that ground you - I would imagine few to none would rank acquiring more things over the development of your friendships and close relationships..
Several months ago, I was in a session with my coach, reviewing my weekend. I was sharing how I felt it was a good weekend with family, but it wasn’t everything it needed to be - I hadn’t gotten meals prepped for the week or the house cleaned or the weeds pulled. She promptly responded with,”I don’t remember efficiency being on your values list.” No, it isn’t.
So how about for you?
Where are you hurrying? Where are you losing “time”? What values are you pushing to the side to be sure you get that one more thing in?
I’d offer this challenge to take up with you as we journey together -
How will you spend your time to create the life that makes you whole?