Sieze the Day!

Yesterday as I was passing my co-worker’s office, she said half to me and half to herself, “There is not enough time in the day…”

We all find ourselves feeling that way from time to time. All of us have

to juggle several different things day in and day out. We have all heard the phrase, “A woman’s work is never done.” If we are not careful, we can find that the things that need to be done will drive our

day and ultimately command our destiny.

When you search the internet you will find a number of helpful tools on time management. They provide a wide range of helpful tips, but they all boil down to this: the secret to managing your time

effectively is knowing WHAT you need to do and WHEN you will need do it.

"[There’s a Right Time for Everything] There’s an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth…” Ecclesiastes 3:1 MSG

When we have a direction for the day, we are able to stay proactive rather than reactive; but as we all have discovered, maximizing our time effectively is easier said than done.

When the alarm clock starts beeping for you to wake up and begin the new day, it helps to have a plan. In fact, what you focus on is a direct reflection of you (see Proverbs 23:7).

Priorities drive decisions and decisions determine results.

This scripture has given me a fresh direction for this year:

“I will bless the Lord who GUIDES me; even at night my heart INSTRUCTS me.” Psalms 16:17 NLT

I am determined to seek God’s guidance and allow Him to prioritize my tasks for the next day, week, year. It is amazing how when I commit the plans, dreams, visions to Him, He begins to reveal the plans He has for me and will then cause my thoughts to become agreeable to His will so that those plans will succeed. (See Proverbs 16:3)

Here are three strategies I have used that might be helpful to maximize your time:

1. Have a purpose.

“Behave yourselves wisely [living prudently and with discretion] in your relations with those of the outside world (the non-Christians), making the very most of the time and seizing (buying up) the opportunity.” Colossians 4:5 AMPC

The apostle Paul urges us to make the very most of our time, not passing up any good opportunities. (See Ephesians 5:16.) Living prudently and with purpose gives you CLARITY and DIRECTION. It has a way of generating the ENERGY you need to be productive. It’s much easier to work towards something when we know what that “something” is.

2. Keep a “to do” list.

Every day comes with new tasks to accomplish. Make it easy on yourself and take life one day at a time (See Matthew 6:34). Rather than keep a list of things that needs to be done in your head, free your mind by writing or typing a list, which you can then refer to throughout the day. Ticking off jobs as you do them can give a real sense of satisfaction and spur you on to complete the rest — plus, of course, using the list

will reduce the amount of time you take up thinking about what you need to do.

I like keeping track of three categories on my list: “Priority, “Urgent,” and “Time-Wasters.”

Priority – I like to prioritize what is really important to me such as my devotion time with God and prayer (see Matthew 6:33), and time with my husband and family.

Urgent – I also find it helpful to make a list all that needs to be done to include creating a set schedule for when I check email, exercise and socialize. I then identify those “Urgent” tasks that need my full attention before anything else.

Time-Wasters – Tasks you tend to waste time on, such as social media that needs to be at the bottom of the list for when time permits.

Maximizing your time is about focusing on the RIGHT things. Don’t just make yourself busy, but be busy doing the things that matter and working on important, worthwhile tasks.

3. Simplify your Life.

I recall a time when I was complaining to God about my FULL schedule. How am I ever going to get it ALL done? Then God reminded me that I was the one who made my schedule. I could spend my life wishing things would change and calm down or I could change my approach to life. CHOOSE to keep balance and make sure you embrace a life of simplicity, fruitfulness, fulfillment, peace, and joy.

“Jesus said, ‘No procrastination. No backward looks. You can’t put God’s kingdom off till tomorrow. SEIZE THE DAY.’” Luke 9:61 MSG

Blessings, Cindy

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