Time is Fleeting

There are 24 hours in a day, 30 plus days in a month, 12 months in a year, which calculates into 8,760 hours. On average that means we use approximately 2,500 of those hours for sleep. That leaves about 6,200 hours for work, play, etc. As a mother I understand what it is like to feel like there is not enough time in the day to get everything done. It is often impossible to not have a task spill over into the next day. I've heard it time and time again..."I'd love to, I just don't have the time."

When I was working as a paralegal, time was essential for almost every task that took place. Everything had time running and I had to learn to prioritize tasks based on those deadlines. We of course used a docketing system to help with managing those deadlines because the case loads demanded that discipline. When the time came to be home and homeschool my kids, that same discipline carried into our home life. I enjoy managing my time, but I'm realistic at home that it doesn't work as efficiently as one would hope 100% of the time. One thing I have learned about my career and as a mom, you make time for what is important. I'm sure you agree. I am guilty of making time for things that are not of importance, do I really need to watch Netflix or peruse social media? No, when it comes to importance, I would gladly eliminate social media... Netflix on the other hand would be a little bit more difficult to do away with. I make time for the essential things like making dinner, going to work, picking up the kids from school, attending church. These things require a time that I need to be present. Everything else is a matter of choice in what I select to do with my time. A clean house is important to me, I make time. Spending time on the weekend with family is important to me, I make time. Reading the scriptures and studying the word of God is important to me, I make time. Serving God is important to me, I make time to serve others. No, this is not always convenient but I have never come away feeling like it was a waste of time to give time. See the pattern there?

How do we balance our time in a manner that we can make the best of it? I love the message shared by Dallin H. Oaks regarding how we choose to spend our time. Here is a short clip from his address:

(You can watch, listen, or read the full message here.)

He is so right. If we tried to make time for all good things, there really would not be enough time. We need to give priority to the better, and even more to the best things. The trick here is to begin questioning "Is this a need or want?" Example: You are asked to help set up for an event at church, but you have already made plans to meet up with friends to dine and shop. Spending time with cherished friends is good. Taking 30 minutes to help set up for a service  prior to meeting with them is better. I find that we often make excuses for why we don't do the things that are better or best. Did you wake up early enough to get that morning workout in (self-care is important)? Better yet, some scripture study in (worship is important)? Excuse: I was too tired. Well, could you maybe make it to bed a little earlier to get that needed rest? With kids I understand sometimes getting the rest we need isn't possible, but if we stayed up late watching TV or on social media, that would probably be something that isn't in the better or best category. At first shifting things around based on the idea of good, better, best, may come with some discomfort.

As adults I believe it is just common for us to do what we want, when we want. Yet, we restrict this option for our kids. Kevin and I sometimes catch up on weeding our emails or checking other accounts when we all get home. Sarah, our oldest asked a very good question as to why it appeared we were often on our electronics when they were home. I realized that sometimes even though it was good that I was replying to their teachers, to friends or family, this was probably not the best time to catch up on this. Plus, while we restrict our kids to only one hour of electronics time, I realized we have not set such limitations to how long we use it. We have since become much more conscience about the use of our electronics. Reflecting on our habits is a great way to prioritize. I've actually gone to the extent of using an app called RescueTime to track my electronics habits so that I can determine where I am spending most of my time and replace it with something in the better or best category. Funny thing about this is that I am almost sure I know where I am wasting time but seeing it just helps confirm my suspicions so that I will be more encouraged to change the habit. Maybe you're in the same boat.

I promise that when you make time for the things that are better and best in your life, you are blessed. Don't get discouraged if you currently struggle with these choices. Start somewhere and work your way to best. Maybe it is giving up gossiping for saying good things (good) that will lead to serving your neighbor (better), and then best, loving them too (best). Giving up the overuse of social media may lead to picking up the phone and making the call to a relative or someone you haven't talked to in a long time (good), which may lead to finding out they needed to talk to someone (better), and you learn how you can help them and you help them (best). Goodness can come from sacrifice. Pray for direction and don't hesitate to follow the counsel.