DO YOU VALUE THE GIFT OF TIME?

One of my favorite quotes by Annie Dillard reminds us, “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.”

The way I’ve chosen to spend my time has changed dramatically over the years. I’ve lived the frenetic life of a downtown Chicago IT sales person—frantically darting in and out of cabs, to now living on the quiet outskirts of downtown Bozeman, Montana.

In those days of selling, I valued money and prestige more than the quality of my health and spiritual well-being.

I can now see how I chose to spend my days then was a direct reflection of what I valued most and often chased—money.

A decade and a half later, I find myself chasing what I know God has called me to do and offer the world. I spend my days listening, coaching, and guiding others by offering them hope, encouragement and simple tools to create their lives to reflect what they value most.

Nothing is more valuable to me now than opening my heart and home to those who simply need to be seen, heard, and understood.

I’ve learned you can use your time to make money, but you can’t use money to purchase more time.

Most people look at their bank accounts with great attention and assess how much money they have to spend, to invest, and to give away. But, they don’t look at their time in the same way, and end up potentially wasting this incredibly valuable resource and gift.

Time is the great equalizer. Each day has only 24 hours—nobody receives more than anyone else. Everyone, from pastors to presidents, fills those hours, one after the other, until they are all filled up. Every single minute is unique, and once gone, can never be redeemed.

So, as we embark on a new year, I urge you to contemplate the value of your time. The simple truth is none of us know if we will see the end of this year. Yes, we all make great plans, and yet, the truth is only God knows how much time any of us have left.

I can’t tell you how to spend or invest your time; however, I can suggest that one of the greatest investments you can make is to spend quality time today asking God how He wants to use you in this coming year. Give Him your desires, plans, and dreams and ask Him to show you how to value the time He’s given you to best serve Him by serving others.

After all, “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.”  How will you choose to spend your time this year?