Time is such a precious thing. Not something you can buy more of or get back once spent. Once gone, it’s gone forever. Don’t waste your time.
This is a constant area I find myself struggling, especially when I get fatigued. I end up scrolling on my phone or clicking away on my computer, staying busy but not accomplishing anything.
Don’t Waste Your Time
Now I’m not going to go overboard on the importance of working constantly. Rather I think there is a very important pause from work that is necessary too. We weren’t made to work constantly. Personally, if I’m going to have some downtime, I’d rather have it outside in the fresh air or curled up with a good book. I’m already on my devices the greater part of the day, why spend precious downtime on them even more?
I definitely appreciate how much can be accomplished from a phone or computer, it is truly fascinating! I just don’t like how consuming they can be too. A pause and a break from them is a must so I can be sure that I am investing my time wisely. This is my one life, after all!
And maybe that’s a better way to look at the situation. Rather than don’t waste your time, perhaps it would help your perspective to view time spent as an investment. Think of time like money, where are you putting it? Are you looking for a valuable return for your investment?
Invest In Your People
I think investing time in people is important. It takes a specific effort and an intentional mindset to be present and attentive and I think that is such an important gift to give. Anyone can be too busy with work to invest in their people. Don’t waste all your time chasing work and forget to invest closer to home.
But on the other hand, don’t waste your time twiddling your thumbs while their is work to be done. Intentionally show up and put the work in. If you’re homemaking, keep it clean and beautiful, cozy and inviting, pantry stocked and fresh treats ready for back porch sitting. Don’t fall into the trap of doing things later. Later will always be later, and you will find precious little gets done when distracted by this and that. Focus, apply yourself, and then take a break to celebrate your progress!
Be sure that your work includes what you naturally enjoy doing. Part of intentionally investing your time in life stems from enjoying what you do. There’s a reason I no longer sell shipping supplies. The work was industrial and not overly fulfilling. But then I realized I loved the idea of beautiful clothing and an inviting boutique, so I stepped into that. It didn’t happen all at once, but little by little, things came together. I now find myself living a dream I didn’t initially know I had, I had to unpack it along and along!
What Are You Called To Do
Speaking of such, that’s another important part of being sure you’re not wasting your time: are you doing what you are called to do? And if you don’t know what you are called to do, are you asking God where He needs you and how you can better serve others for Him? Sometimes this looks like specific changes in your life, whereas other times, He has you right where He needs you and all He needs from you is your faithfulness.
Sometimes I think we get so hung up trying to figure out the equation of life, when really all we need to do is be attentive to where God leads! Ask Him for wisdom, He will give it! Ask for direction, He will steer you in the most unexpected of ways! And with all your asking, lean in with a peaceful heart and a confident knowledge that he will direct you where He needs you!
He has incredible plans for you, don’t waste your time when you can be on a mission for Him!
Take Time To Wander
To me there is a difference in time wasted and time spent. Time wasted consists of consuming content and mindless scrolling. Time spent includes taking a walk, sitting outside, exploring pretty places. I love to take the time to wander and look for God’s beauty and design in the most unexpected of places!
Be it plantations or parks, rivers or beaches, boardwalks or afternoon drives, I love to just take time to stretch my imagination. To make room to witness God in new and wonderful ways. This is truly the pause that refreshes!
There is so much to actually do with our time, let’s be extra mindful not to waste it!
Until Next Time!
Hope.