Are You Spending You Time Wisely? [Here's How You Can Tell]
As I drove into work last week and was thinking about the hundreds of things I needed to be spending time on, I got frustrated at myself. What did I do yesterday? Why are the hours in my day flying by, and I feel like I'm getting nothing accomplished? I will be the first to admit some days are better than others. Do you have days where you feel like you've conquered the world and others where you question what you accomplished in 24 hours? Answer this, how did you spend the first hour of your day when you woke up?
Where are you spending your energy?
Our days can be full of things-to-do, but how often do we examine what we are truly doing? I never realized how much time I wasted scrolling through news feeds on social media until I decided to fast it. As ashamed as I am to admit this, social media was the first thing I grabbed when I woke up. My alarm goes off on my phone, I grab it to hit snooze (don't judge me...lol), and when it goes off again, I would grab it and launch the Facebook app. That's right, I said it. As hard as it is to admit, I have to be honest about it.
I wasn't spending time wisely, to say the least.
As I walk around my house and do my routine morning rituals, I would pop in and out of social media and my work email. Are you doing the same thing or something similar? Maybe with the news, various websites, online programs, shoe shopping, texting, or possibly other addiction? Eventually, I end up in my car and heading to work. When I think back, I spent my mornings filling the cup of others and checking in on society instead of filling my own cup first. It's like trying to drink from an empty water bottle that you thought was full.
What are you trying to accomplish?
Would you believe that it wasn't until I get down the street that I launch my bible app and listen to a devotional? It wasn't until later in the morning that I would take 15 minutes to thank God for waking me up, thanking Him for being ever-present, and appreciating all that He has done? It wasn't until halfway to work that I put on worship music? None of this sounds very wise to me. Starting days off on the wrong foot will always lead today that feels unsatisfied. As a dedicated Christian, shouldn't I be spending time more wisely?
Related Post: When our time with God is in order, the rest of our world will follow.
Are you like me and feel an overwhelming need for organization? Do you keep a list or a calendar with upcoming appointments and events? When you're at school or work, do you write down tasks to finish before the day is over? Do you have to make time for God on your list? Do you have notifications on your phone to remind yourself to read a devotional or scripture throughout the day? Don't worry; you are in good company because neither did I.
My list of things to do fails in comparison to the one thing I should do. Spending time with God as a priority in my day sets the stage for everything else. I was not making a concerted effort to put God first. I talk about it, and I always eventually do it, but why do I make God wait for "eventually?"
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”- Matthew 6:33 NIV
Need to finish a big assignment at work? Pray about it. Need to pass a final exam, ask God to clear your mind from clutter so you can focus. Trying to figure out how to be more present during family time? Submit yourself to God, and He will pave your way. Struggling with a relationship/friendship and don't know what to do next? Ask God for discernment. Spending time with God will help us keep our days in sync.
Spending Time Wisely
Maybe the new year didn't start as you hoped. Well, guess what? It's never too late, and all you need to do is spend your time on the right things first. Below are three simple ways to start your day:
- Dedicate time to fill your cup with the word
- Pray for forgiveness and thanksgiving for what you do and don't have
- Ask God to guide you through your day.
Now you can brush your teeth and catch up on what's trending.