What’s on your plate for 2019?
I’m talking about your daily routine. Maybe you’re a Mom: homework commander, mess-hall cook, and chief picker-upper. But that’s the beginning. Your other demands as an employee and/or wife also can’t be neglected. Neither can the kids’ games and your civic and church volunteer work.
Sometimes you wonder how you get it all done!
You love what you do. And you do what you love. But your to-do list is out of control.
There’s not enough time in the day!
I’m a wife, mom, grandmother, and caregiver. But also, a Sunday school teacher, writer, blogger, learning enthusiast, and civic volunteer.
Although I’m retired, I feel the same way.
And some days, time is a tiger. And I’m barely holding on to its tail.
Why do people feel they don’t have enough time?
Are we making good use of our time?
Well, I wouldn’t dare ask God for an additional minute or hour.
We all know, it’s a matter of properly using the time that God gives us.
Should we quicken our pace, eliminate every idle minute, or should time slo-o-o-w down for us?
We may try the first two on the list, but time will never slow down. Not for you, and not for me.
We have to slow down and cognitively direct our time.
When I worked in corporate America, I took a time management course. The instructor talked about planning, prioritizing, and eliminating time guzzlers: personal calls, Internet surfing, long coffee and restroom breaks, etc.
Sure, these tips are okay in an employer-setting or controlled environment.
But the home isn’t a controlled environment. Chaos and gridlock can occur at any time: a sick child or a car problem. These things aren’t scheduled. And many times, other things fall through the cracks or go undone.
No one schedules challenges or problems.
How will I use my time and handle unforeseen circumstances better in 2019?
I need help!
First, I will nourish my spirit, the inward me.
2 Corinthians 4:16 says, “But though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.”
Priority one is inward renewal. Got to have it!
This is achieved by obeying Matthews 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Through meditation, prayer, and communion with the Holy Spirit, I receive strength and guidance. And I will handle the things I can. The things that I can’t handle I will give to God.
My daily “me time” for inward strength is essential!
When is the perfect “me time”?
It’s before the snap, crackle, and pop of the day.
You know, when your eyes first pop open in the morning.
Kneel, thank God for a new day, praise Him for mercy, and ask for strength, protection, and guidance.
After honoring God and asking for guidance with daily tasks, I won’t feel as hurried, and I’m able to complete time-sensitive tasks.
The next priority is taking care of the family: cooking, cleaning, running errands and the like.
Then I get to do my dream: blog, write, and learn more about current and trending topics.
But don’t forget about the outward you, your body.
During the winter, aerobics several times a week is okay for me. In the warmer months, a brisk 45 minute walk several days a week will be the goal.
Time is a gift from God. If we honor Him first, everything else will fall in place with His guidance.
I plan to fret less about things and time in 2019.
What about you?