Time

Time is a four-letter word that can block progress and uphold stagnation.

Taking away the hectic pace, demands and noisiness of our usual lifestyles, finding time to deal with time, is still not an easy thing to do. It seems as though time quickly leaves our grasp, similar to the image of snow in our hands turning into water. Time waits for no one; it is found in the sunshine or rain, during happy times or sad; it is ever-prevailing and when it’s gone, it’s lost forever.

If time can move like a tune flows in a synchronized orchestra, or wheel out of control like a tornado with no touchdown in sight, why are we taken by surprise when we lose it? Where are our “equalizing” powers? Surely, we are not ignorant of the pitfalls of losing time… Or are we?

Making this year a happy one (during and after corona virus) is not rooted in doing more stuff or changing a law or an idol; it’s about learning to find peace in who we are and what we do. It’s our attitude about time in general and how we use the time that we have. 

It’s Time
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Rule number one: you are in control of your time!

Rule number two: even when things hit the wall (as life will sometimes do), remember rule number one.

Let me defend rule number one. There are nuggets of wisdom to help you rethink the time question—the bits of moments that co-exist between the demands at work and responsibilities at home.
 
Grab a sheet of paper and pen, as this exercise is well worth the time.
 
Fold the sheet in half. On the fold line, write down the first time problem that comes to mind. Then underneath it, on one side, write down what currently happens. On the other side, describe what you’d like to happen.

Next, consider these actions and place them under whichever side of the fold that makes the best sense.

• Assess what is happening to the time. Ask yourself, How much time do I really need to do this task? A timer may be helpful. Is the time being manipulated by some external force (people, environment, unforeseen elements, distractions, etc.)? What personal barriers or routines could you incorporate to create an edge on redeeming your time?

Identify what kind of time traveler you are: e.g. usually late, always early, or on time but often frazzled and unfocused. Possible supports for this issue might be allowing time for obstacles, or breaking your process down into smaller, manageable steps. If you are an early bird, don’t give away the time you have when arriving early. Use those minutes to accomplish something—make a to-do list and then prioritize it, thinking ahead as to how you can prepare the night or day before.

• Redesign how you process what you do with your time and be aware of how others around you use time. Always take care of yourself first (eat well, get enough sleep, add movement where possible). Respect time and understand that it is everyone’s responsibility, and not just yours. Define why you do what you do and become familiar with the rules that govern your duties. Don’t take things at face value: get the facts/detail; set appropriate standards for each situation—not too high and not too low; always consider alternatives so you don’t get stuck in a rut.

• Create better time flow consistently with a definite agenda and try, try again.

​We can never manage every minute of our lives, but we can build some time-related foundations that will enable us to set aside some quality time to reflect, listen, organize, plan, meditate, and pull away from the noise with reverence for solitude. Like it or not, time can be a pointed judge. Use it poorly and people may think you are lazy, unintelligent, and disrespectful toward organization. Use it well and people may take advantage of your effectiveness and feel justified in overloading you because they think you can handle it. You know the old saying: “Give a task to a busy person because you know it will get done.”
 
It’s time to become time efficient even in troubled times. No excuses, no blaming people or circumstances for time loss (remember rule number one!), and have no fear in doing something new. Let’s take what happens to our time off the prayer list and stop waiting on God. He is waiting for us to ​Faith Forward.

Excerpt from The Walk of Faith, pages 5-7, Author Gayle Smith