Running Out of Time

Time. The intangible force that hinders our lives or gives us a sense of peace. I am an avid clock-watcher so needless to say it is impossible to go through a day without being aware of time in all sense of the word.  Countless thoughts run through my head all day long: Is it time to get up for work? Is it time for lunch? How much time do I have to run this errand before my next appointment? Do I have enough time to do laundry today? How much time does the chicken take to cook?

If someone asks me the time, I’ve usually already checked it on my iPhone or computer screen in the last five minutes. Time is a way we measure the activities in our lives. Every week is confined to seven days with 24 hours in each day for accomplishing activities or sleeping (ha!). How we spend our time and how we let time define us says a lot about us as individuals.

Growing up with two parents who valued organization, hard work, and responsibility, it was easy to see the importance of these values as a child. My dad loved putting everything in a binder. He even created one for each of his children that held their daily chore lists. I remember telling him more than once that I simply did not have enough time to do this or that. His response to me was this, “You make time for the things that are important.” Can this be said of you? Can this be said of me? Do we carve out time to spend with our Savior everyday? Do we take time to talk about our days with loved ones instead of getting bits and pieces in between social media check-ins? Do we make time for reaching out to the hurting and getting out of our comfort zone? Do we take time for self-examination?

While time can be confining and overwhelming to us, there is hope in someone that operates apart from time. God is timeless. He is not weighed down by a to-do list with finite strength. He is not worried about how everything will turn out. He does not get stressed out or hangry. He is above all and not surprised by anything that happens. He calls us to spend our time glorifying Him instead of worrying. Jeremiah exclaimed “Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.”(Jeremiah 32:17)

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[quote bar=”true” align=”center”]Do we take time to talk about our days with loved ones instead of getting bits and pieces in between social media check-ins?[/quote]

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When we see everything by what we think we can do on our own, immediately one can feel bleak about the future. It was never God’s plan to create us and then wash His hands of us. The whole point of His Son’s sacrifice was to reunite us with Him once again. He cares about what’s on your schedule and He also guides us in prioritizing our to-do lists.

The fact of the matter is that on this earth, our time is limited. Our time in Heaven for those who have trusted in Jesus is limitless. We mustn’t let ourselves get bogged down with our lists and activities. On the other hand, some of us need to let go of our distractions in favor of purposed actions of obedience. How did your life today glorify God? When is the last time you thanked God for all the blessings in your life? How did you love on people this week? Spend your time wisely.

C. Montgomery