One of my most remembered time management lessons came from my 7th grade homeroom teacher, Mr. Mariani.
He always told us that if we waste our 10-minute homeroom period, twice a day, we were wasting 20 minutes a day—time that could be spent on homework or studying. By the end of the school week, we would waste one hour and 40 minutes. I don’t remember exactly, but I imagine he calculated it out further—he was also my math teacher for two years.
Now, I’m pretty sure I didn’t view talking with my friends for 10 minutes as a waste of time, but somehow, the lesson stayed with me all these years. (Too bad the math didn’t!)
For years, I’ve thought about not wasting 10 minutes here and there—sometimes to the point where I can’t give myself a break. I’m starting to wonder if making sure I’m not wasting time is just stressing me out!
Then it occurred to me…how I spend my time is not as important as with Whom I spend my time.
I don’t mean trying to fit God in here and there, but rather giving God my time throughout the day.
Not worrying about how much I can accomplish, but rather how much time I can spend with God.
For instance, as I’m waking up in the morning, I can check in with Him and ask what His plans are for the day. As I’m falling asleep at night, I can talk to Him about the day and thank Him.
Drive time allows me to start and finish my work day with Him. Even on a bad day, I can look for blessings and thank Him.
Time I wait in the car for my daughter to get out of school is time to share my plans and frustrations with Him. Asking Him what I should do with the issues weighing me down.
We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9 NLT
Instead of turning to the internet and television to fill the quiet, my time would better be spent in His Word—quieting myself to wait for His guidance and answers to my questions.
Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Psalm 37:7 NLT
Not filling the minutes He’s given me…
But giving them back to Him…
So He can fill me.
“Not filling the minutes He’s given me…
But giving them back to Him…
So He can fill me.”
I LOVE THAT! What a beautiful post. Thanks for stirring my heart.
(and I was also encouraged by how you remember a lesson a teacher taught you that wasn’t necessarily a lesson in the curriculum.) 🙂
Thanks Nikki! The lesson has always stayed with me, but it was interesting how thinking of it last week led me down a long path on memory lane. lol
Blessings,
Laura
Great post. Love the illustration and how you find the minutes, even short ones to spend with God. Reminded me of the book Richard Foster talks about: Frank Laubach’s GAmes with Minutes where he constantly tried to pray without ceasing. He also writes about Flash prayers – sending prayers to house, people, animals, perfect stranger as you pass them by. I like that too
Great thoughts, Laura!
Thank you Jean! Blessings to you!
“Not filling the minutes He’s given me…
But giving them back to Him…
So He can fill me.”
I love what you wrote here too. It’s these little ‘gems’ which make you an excellent writer. Beautiful (and true)!
I’m blessed by your kind words Wendy, thank you! Blessings to you friend!
Laura – this post is very timely for me as I am finding the need to spend more time with the Lord.
Blessings,
Joan
Thank you Joan. I always enjoy visiting your blog and will continue to do so.
God bless,
Laura
Laura, we must be thinking a lot alike today. 🙂 I just published about this very topic this morning on my site as part of my Walking in Faith series.
Very well said, my friend. I couldn’t agree with you more. It’s so important to take time for God. And we can always find time. We just need to make our relationship with Him a priority.
Thank you for your visit and comment Rosann! I’m heading over to read your post now. God bless!
You brought out such good points.
Thanks so much.
Thanks Judith! God bless!