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?
Powerful and thought provoking Susan. That Big Sky … Mountain Air must inspire even more. Sounds like you are settled in and have found people to serve with your words of wisdom and guidance making everything DAPO❣️ You are loved. ????
We are so blessed to have her in our Valley!
Rachelle, THANK YOU! I feel beyond blessed and grateful to be here AND to KNOW and have had the honor to partner with YOU on the coaching journey! SHINE ON my friend!
Deb, THANK YOU for your feedback! I ALWAYS APPRECIATE you and your making time to read what I share. Yes, the mountain air is so REFRESHING! 🙂 I hope you and Dave are starting the new year off in a wonderful and healthy way. Thank you again Deb!
Wonderful words as always. You are a great inspiration to all who have the pleasure of knowing you. I will always remember the day we met one if the best days of my life i knew then that you were an awesome woman
This just blew my mind. “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.” This gives me a new lease on time. I share this great”equalizer” with everyone on this planet. I can choose to redeem each of my unique minutes to fulfill my purpose. I choose to invest my time in eternal things. Thank you the reminder. I am so thankful that I get to invest some my minutes gleaning from you. What a privilege.
Gillian, thank you for your feedback! I value and appreciate YOU! You always have a way of making me feel appreciated. I am blessed to have met you here in Bozeman! 🙂
Charlie, my friend, I always aprreciate hearing from you. Thank you for reading my blog and making the effort to comment. You brighten my day!