MAKING A DIFFERENCE BY MANAGING OUR TIME

How frequently do we complain, "I wish I had more hours in the day?"

What do you do with the majority of your time? Do you prefer to plan or be spontaneous?

Finishing these time management blog entries reminded me of Ephesians 5:16: "Redeeming the time, because the days are evil."

We know everything God does is perfect. He gave us twenty-four hours a day. We would have more time in the day if we needed it.

Rather than wishing for more hours in the day, perhaps our focus should be: Are we good time managers?

Are we protective of our time, or using our time poorly? I know there are days I accomplish very little because I let the demands of the day control me rather than controlling "the demands of the day."  

I recently discussed Dorcas, a wonderful disciple described by Luke in Acts. We’re told, Dorcas was “full of good works”. (Acts 9:36). We don't know her age, but Dorcas used her gifts wisely as she gave generously of her time and talents.

Dorcas is an example of how to manage our time and make a difference.

“Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did” (Acts 9:36).

When Dorcas departed, how she managed her time reflected through the weeping of her friends as they lovingly held the coats and garments which she had made.  

“And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.” (Acts  9:36-37, 39)

I mentioned this last week, but reading “while she was with them” always reminds me that we have a limited window of opportunity to use our time wisely.

I know we all would like to make a difference. As we conclude this blog series, “How to Get Back on Track When Our Schedule Derails”, I pray we take inventory of how we’re managing our time. Is there something we need to do differently?

Let’s all decide to be good stewards of this precious gift and make each day count.

THIS WEEK’S WINNER: Congratulations to Donna Thompson! Thank you, Donna, for reading my blog and commenting. I’ll get John Mason’s book in the mail to you soon.

NEXT WEEK’S GIVE-AWAY: Do you have a person in your life who generously shares her time? Leave a comment and share your story with us. Next week’s drawing winner will be rewarded with a gift card to Dunkin' Donuts. I’m looking forward to hearing from you all.