Wish I Had More Time

Posted by Ardy Parlin on 5 June 2009 | 3 Comments

Tags: Time, Priorities

How many times have you said or heard someone say “I wish I had more time?”  Sometimes a few minutes is all we think we need, and other times we long for additional days and weeks.

Well, of course, we all know that the reality is we are not going to get more time. The richest man in the world and the beggar in the alley have the same amount of time each day. Sometimes we “wish” that the clock would stand still so we could have more time; but in spite of our wishes, this never happens.

Some try to solve the problem of time by going out and purchasing another system or plan for planning and recording of projects. As good as these tools may be, they do not give the user any more time. 

So, what is the secret? It is not more time that we need; it is the self-control and discretion to invest our time doing the most important things and spending time with the most important people. We are reminded in Scriptures that time is like a vapor, shadow, or a cup of water spilled on the ground, all of which quickly vanish and cannot be reclaimed.

What we must do is determine God’s agenda for our lives, which directs us to the most important places to invest our time. Often we get involved in more than we can possibly keep up with only to blame God for the problems which we inflict upon ourselves by taking on so many projects and trying to cover so many bases.

What we need to consider are our priorities. What or who should have first place in our hearts and lives? What should consume our energy?  What is the best investment of our lives and time? Does what I am doing REALLY make a difference?

Take a few minutes to consider your priority list. Although it may not be written down, everyone has a priority list. Our list should include the following important people and things.
1.    Personal relationship with the Lord.
2.    Family and Home
3.    Health
4.    Job responsibilities
5.    Christian ministries
6.    Spiritual disciplines and growth

There is no magic secret. However, each serious believer should pray for wisdom in determining the events, activities and people that should be included in the daily schedule. It is good to write these things down so you have a plan to follow. In Proverbs 16:3 we are instructed to commit our works to the Lord and He will establish our thoughts and the works will be blessed by Him.

The great traps are to make the list too long, leave out the hard but important things, waste time trying to decide what to do next, and ignoring real needs.

Time. It comes so quietly and leaves so quickly. It cannot be saved or purchased. But it can be invested, given, scheduled, and used wisely.

Look around! Where are you needed today? Who REALLY needs you today? What MUST be done today?

Check these verses: Psalm 90:12, Ephesians 5:15-17, Psalm 39:4, Luke 12:23, Matthew 22: 37-40