Time! It seems to a topic of most conversations I have had recently. Generally, the phrase that begins the conversation is “there never seems to be enough time”. I would agree with that, until recently. I believe there is enough time if we choose to make the time for what is important. Now don’t go hitting that “x” at the top of the screen and closing this out yet! Stick with me here!
Let’s face it, whether we are working women, working moms, stay-at-home moms, retired women~ we are busy ~ right?! I have been wrestling with not having enough time for a while now. In many conversations that I have had with some dear friends lately there are four words that keep coming up: (1) time; (2) balance; (3) purpose; (4) seasons. I love to read and write, so when the same words keep popping up I begin to wonder if I need to give them some thought. Actually, what it usually means is God leading me to something – like an “a-ha moment”!
In Ecclesiastes 3:1 it says, “there is a time for everything, and everything on earth has its special season”. Special season? Time for everything? hmmm….interesting that I had been praying for God to show me my purpose in a situation and to help me gain better balance with my personal and professional life. I sometimes have nights when I can’t get to sleep and when I do I just open my Bible and begin to read. For several nights in a row I couldn’t sleep and every one of those nights I was drawn to Ecclesiastes. And here is what God revealed to me:
1. Time: I don’t have enough time for everything I want to do, but if I choose to do what means the most to me, then I feel more fulfilled. And, the more fulfilled I feel, the more balance I feel!
2. Balance: I have the power to choose if I work late. I have the power to choose my family over my work. I have the choice to choose God first. Therefore, my balance is: God and family first, then work and having fun!
3. Purpose: My purpose and calling in life is to shine a light for Jesus. When I focus on Him my actions and way I live reflect positively on Him and for Him. Therefore, people may come to know Him through me. I must remain focused on Him and be willing to shine for Him.
4. Season: there is a season, a time, and purpose for everything. However, I am not in control, only God controls the seasons in our life. Therefore, I must choose to remain focused on Him.
Easier said than done, right?! It’s easy to not make time to read my morning and evening devotions. It’s easy to make an excuse not to go to church or Bible study. And, I’m so glad that I have a God that forgives me when I don’t focus on Him. Who forgives me when I’m ugly and don’t shine His light. Who forgives me when I choose to eat something, or read something, or watch something that isn’t good for me. How awesome that we have the choice each and every day to choose Him! God proves and reveals to me every day that I do choose Him that life is a lot better when He is in it ~ even on a crummy day, just knowing He is on my side and in my corner!
So, what are words that you have been hearing recently? I encourage you to listen for key words….I’m certain you will hear some! 🙂 And, I’ll let you in on a little secret….I’ve recently been hearing a fifth word….accountability….and, that will be the next subject of my next blog. Stay tuned and be blessed friends! 🙂
Jacqueline's Jive 