May 10
10
Time
I paused this morning as I walked past a tall bookcase that stands on the north wall of our bedroom. As I glanced at the titles laying sideways on the shelf, I thought to myself, Look at all these books. I should read one of them. Well, maybe I should, but I am not going to spend my time on starting a new book today. I have many books on my bookshelves that I will probably never read in their entirety. Because I have twenty-four hours in a day, just like you do, I am constantly choosing what I will and won’t do with my time.
A large portion of the time I have in a day is often spent with little ones. I have found that simply being around them offers opportunities for teaching and learning throughout each day. I love to work with them–cooking dinner, folding towels, matching socks, building blocks, or running in the sprinkler. I find that when we are together (and especially when distractions like the TV, computer, and phones are kept at a minimum), we spend our time in conversation. They ask revealing questions that allow me a window into what they spend their time thinking about, and I am empowered to see their concerns, fears, joys, or queries. My husband was reading last week and reminded me that our little ones are only in our homes for less than one-quarter of their lives; I have since worked harder to be more aware of the time we spend with each other.
I also spend time every day in prayer, scripture study and meditation. I try to put this time early in my day. I have found that when I spend time here first, I feel more productive and inspired in other areas of my life.
I spend time each day working to build relationships. Whether through blogging, offering assistance, sharing treats, or simply talking to people in my life, I find the time I spend in building relationships well worth the effort…especially regarding my marriage. If I work on that relationship with all my heart, my other relationships usually fall into place. 
I have found that I need time to create every day. Sometimes I create cleanliness around me; sometimes I create art, music, or a healthier body through yoga or other exercise. Other times I will engage in creating food–bread from scratch, cookies and treats to share, or even creating a well-planned meal is a fun way to spend time. Right now I would like to be spending more time on my quilt that I am creating. Hopefully my family will be healthy soon, and I will get back to that project!
Anyway–my question for you to ponder today is: How do you spend your time? Are you productive? Do you balance time between service and leisure, bettering yourself and the world around you all the while? Do you spend your time in activities that uplift and empower you and those around you? Life is short…and all we really have is this time. How will you spend it?
