Monday, December 26, 2011

Enough Time

"The world may pass me by...but as for me, I will sing about your power. I will shout with joy each morning because of your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety in the day of distress." (Psalm 59:16)

My life moves at such a fast pace sometimes that it seems to pass me by before I can really enjoy it, and most of the time I'm running at least ten minutes late! As I rush around from one activity to another (usually starting another before completing the one I began with!), I seem to place all of my priorities on accomplishing tasks on my "to do" list rather than slowing down and putting joy and a positive purpose into each moment. If I don't give myself enough time to clutch and fully experience the activity I am doing, it can leave me with a feeling that my day was unfulfilled and lacking purpose. It takes some discipline on my part to slow down, stop what I am doing and reach out to God; He reminds me that I have a choice and can make the decision that I am not going to hurry and rush through my day. And once I have listened to His words of encouragement and wisdom, I am capable of having more power and effectiveness in the areas I can make a difference, and I actually accomplish more. Slowing down is a conscious choice I have to make and it's not always easy, but it leads me to a greater appreciation for the day and changes meaningless tasks to spiritual productivity and purpose.


"Come to me all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest, Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-29)

I see so many people running around in such frenzy; they think they have to multitask to accomplish more and that’s when they often miss the beauty of the moment they are in. Many of us place so much emphasis on our to-do list that we can miss our chance to live out our discipleship by making a difference in the life of another. Many times when we are with friends and family, we are distracted by all the things we need to do. What a missed opportunity! The opportunity to connect, share, and make memories with those we love. Sometimes we just need to shut off the outside world and turn all of our attention to the people we are with. We need to slow down and enjoy every moment of our worship time with God, with ourselves, friends, family, and anyone else that He has placed in our lives, and realize the importance of this precious time He has given us. 

It's difficult to know what tomorrow will bring, but time is one thing it will bring and whatever tomorrow does offer, there will be plenty of it to accomplish the important tasks we didn't complete yesterday. It's not the amount of time we have, it is what we are doing with our time! :) 


Linking up to Share His Beauty with Joan at The Beauty in His Grip   



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7 comments:

  1. Great thoughts to share at a time when it is so easy to get caught up in the business of the season. Something I have learned in my own life is the more I spend time with God, the more He balances out the rest. My perspective has changed on time management and priorities as I have made time with God my first priority.

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  2. You are so right! It is not the amount of time we have...but what we do with that time that is important! It is hard to stop striving and take time to be a Mary not a Martha, but when we do, God always blesses us. One of my favorite verses is Psalm 46:10 - "Be still and know that I am God..." When I am running around over busy, I try to remember that. When I do, He meets me and a blessed peace settles upon me. I am so thankful!

    Living for Him, Joan

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  3. What a beautiful post this is Denise! We do have a choice to make each and every day. All too often I can also plow through my day with my list of to-do's. But when I chose to begin my day with the Lord, He prioritizes my schedule. And that often includes slowing down and enjoying and savoring the moments. It has also helped me to be on the lookout for those everyday blessings for which I can be thankful. Praising Him tends to put life into better perspective.

    Blessings and love,
    Debbie

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  4. Denise, I'm guilty all too often of not really savoring the moment by focusing too much on the next thing. Reading your post reminded me of one I wrote some time ago entitled Just a Matter of Moments. In it I stated, If I squander all the moments I’m given, at the end of life, I will realize that it was not just moments I lost but my life wasted. If the moments are really what matter, how do I make the present one count? Thank you for the precious reminder to stay in & savor my current moment. Blessings to you.

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  5. Denise,

    All too often I am guilty of blowing through my to do list intent on checking off as much as possible and forgetting to stop and just enjoy that this is the day the Lord has made, thank you for writing this and reminding me to savor the moments I have been given.

    Blessings to you and hope you had a Merry Christmas.

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  6. I have made a conscious effort over the last few months to 'take time to smell the roses'.

    For too long, Denise, I have been multi-tasking and trying to fit more into the day, than I should.

    Having my two young granddaughters living with me, has disciplined me to make a choice and spend more quality time with them, at a more slower paace and to focus on the moment.

    Great post Denise and so timely.

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  7. Perfect post with a new year upon us.....God does care about every little detail in our lives and wants to talk to us about them....our part is to take the time to talk to Him....just as you said...

    Denise, I am so glad our paths have crossed....Your post and comments are inspiring and encouraging and I have enjoyed getting to know you this past year....I pray 2012 will be a year of blessings for you and your family....

    Hugs and blessings,
    Nancy

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