TIME WELL SPENT

I’m starting to get this feeling of anxiety. I know I’m going to get busy working again and won’t have as much free time, so I’m trying to hurry and get things done that I started at the beginning of the summer. The time has flown by. Where has it gone? It’s a new year already!! I just don’t want to be back at work and be kicking myself thinking, “Why didn’t I do this, or get that done?” Don’t you hate when that happens? We’re given all this free time and yet somehow we waste so much of it. Yes, there is a time to rest, but we need to be diligent and wise with our time too, especially when you know you have things to do that could determine your future. When I get anxious I try to remember the scripture that says:

Philippians 4:6&7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The past couple of mornings I slept in and just stayed in bed a little longer then usual. Of course the rain was the instigator. I love how my 93 year-old Grandmother from Scotland puts it, “I had a long lie.” I confess I had a few long lies. On the flip side of that, it makes me think of that famous quote, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” But, sometimes it just feels great to sleep in. I don’t know about you, but I love to sleep! There is nothing better than a good nights sleep, or an afternoon nap. “Forty winks” as grandmother would say. I think of those who suffer sleep depravation. I can’t ever imagine what that would be like. What a horrible thing to suffer. I have never experienced it to that degree, but I have had nights when I couldn’t sleep due to worry or too much on my mind. It’s a terrible thing. I always feel like a wreck the next day.

Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all 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."

It’s a new year, and already January is near its end. Is it just me, or does it seem that time is going even faster? Is that what happens as we get older? Usually, every New Year, I like to sit and reflect on the past year, look back at my journal and check off the goals that I actually accomplished for the year, and then I make a new list for the New Year set before me. However, this year I decided to make a change and do things differently. My friend has a great quote. I don’t know if it’s actually hers or she’s quoting someone else, but it goes like this; “If you want something you’ve never had, you must do something you’ve never done.” I love that! Sometimes we get into our routines and nothing changes. So, it’s time to make a change!

I believe last year was a challenging year for many. I can attest to that. Actually, the beginning of the year was going great, but at midpoint, the challenge began. This was the first in all my years of freelance to be out of work for so long. But, it never ceases to amaze me how God uses what we think is a bad thing and turns it into something great.

If I didn’t have the time off, I would not have been available to be an Auntie to my beautiful niece whose adult life is just beginning, and help her get registered in college. I would not have been available to help my dearest and best friend move into her new home, which some of you know can be very stressful, and also the opportunity to spend more time getting to know her wonderful family, who I can now call my second family. I wouldn’t have been able to spend those mornings working out with another friend of mine who was also out of work, going to breakfast together and keeping each other encouraged. If I didn’t have the time off, I would not have been available to just love and comfort another dear friend of mine who is battling Aids. I wouldn’t have been available to spend time with my father who’s now retired and trying to get use to so much free time. And the extra special time spent with my mother, having our tea and a biscuit while talking for hours about the Lord. I’d say God has filled my time pretty well! There isn’t a job or amount of money that is worth more to me than these precious moments. I’m truly blessed with so much more and I am so thankful to be available.

Matthew 5:13-16 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.