“So be very careful how you live, not being like those with no understanding, but live honorably with true wisdom, for we are living in evil times.  Take full advantage of every day as you spend your life for His purposes.” Ephesians 5:15,16 TPT

Stewards of Time

I’ve been thinking quite a bit recently about TIME. It’s a simple four-letter word that impacts all of us. We need it—we can’t escape it—sometimes we wish we had more of it—and sometimes it’s over much too soon. The smartest, richest, most powerful people in the world are under the same impact of time as the simplest, poorest, weakest individuals.

Time is a strange thing. At times it seems to fly by—and then, at other times, it seems to move at a snail’s pace. But however we look at it, it’s the most important gift we have. (Next to Jesus of course!) Time is so precious. We have a limited amount of it. We can make “more” of many things in life—more money, more friends, more fun times, more adventures…but there’s nothing we can do to make more time. That part of our lives is in God’s hands.

Time is the most special gift we can give to people. Spending time with a friend or loved one is more valuable than gold or jewels. It’s giving that person a portion of your life that you’ll never get back. They may not always think of it that way but it’s true. There were times when Floyd gave his time to someone—at the cost of not being with me or our family. We gladly shared him! But I’m not sure it was always appreciated. I was blessed when Floyd traveled and went somewhere to speak when someone would thank me for “sharing” him. I knew they understood the gift of time!

Years ago I wrote a book on time—Where Will I Find The Time. I wrote about there being a season for everything from the book of Ecclesiastes. I’ve always been fairly organized in using my time, and I enjoyed writing about it. Now I’m in a season where time is more valuable than ever. I don’t know what’s ahead for Floyd or for me, but I want my time to be used wisely.

As I reflect and look back, I’m so grateful for all the time we’ve had. There are a few things I wish I’d have done differently with my time—but there are many, many things that I’m just so thankful for. I think my biggest regret is about things we still planned to do, but time ran out on us. One of those is that Floyd and I were planning a special celebration for our 50th anniversary. Instead, I visited him in the hospital room, took balloons, and put up a poster to commemorate the day.

Because of what we’re walking through, I’m grateful for every minute, every hour, every day. I don’t want to waste any of my time. I try to be more purposeful in what I do and who I spend time with. We need to treat time as the precious commodity that it is!

I’m realizing that it’s never too soon, or too late, to look at how we use our precious gift of time. God has made us stewards of our time, so it’s our job to use it well. I know I’ve not always made perfect choices, but I’m trying to do the best I can now in this season. Whether I have one day or hundreds left, I want to honor Him with the gift of time that He’s given me.

“Lord, help us to steward our time well. May we use it to bring You glory. Amen.”