The Latin phrase tempus fugit (time flies) seems more poignant with each birthday added. No matter in what life situations we find ourselves, there is no stopping the progression of time. Time barrels forward whether we like what it brings, or not.
Time-Wasters
Many of us tend toward procrastination. We have plenty of time for television or social media, but often put off tasks that require concentration, or are tedious.
Writers often joke that our houses are the cleanest ever when we are nearing a deadline. When cleaning takes priority over a deadline, you know you are in major procrastination mode.
What are your go-to time-wasters when pressure is great? I’ve learned if I can plow forward with what must be done by a certain time, my stress level is so much less it is worth applying the necessary disciplines to complete the task.
Time-Chasers
In the final years of my mother’s life, my daughter and I took turns sleeping at her house after one of her extended hospital stays. I use the word “sleeping” lightly, because Mama’s I-need-you bell rang constantly until the wee hours of the morning.
One night, I found a small clock in the drawer, wound it, and set it on the bedside table. Big mistake! I had forgotten how loud a ticking clock could be, so in addition to bell ringing, I had all-night ticking. During that long night, I wished I could stop the hands of time or revert to the years when Mama was capable of caring for herself.
Sometimes, we find ourselves in rearview mirror mode, wishing we could chase away the constraints and hardships of current situations and turn back the hands of time to more pleasant life seasons.
I would love to rewind to a time when Jim was still alive and spend a long day with him, but I know that would not be enough and I would wish for more. Accepting and embracing the time you are in now can prove difficult, but keep your eyes forward, knowing God is walking through change and difficulty with you.
Time-Redeemers
Frequently, when the phrase “it’s about time” is used, it is said with a tone of annoyance and implies “whatever” should have been done sooner. While we all need to follow our own time frame, what works best for us, perpetually putting off things becomes a bad habit.
Often, we delay because what we need to do is hard, such as forgiving, apologizing, or righting long-ago wrongs. Or perhaps it is a project that you know is complicated and requires time and lots of brain power. Yet, there is freedom in finally accomplishing what you’ve continually delayed and learning through the process.
Is it about time for you to get serious about something you need to do? Is it time to regain motivation and ignite forward motion? Do you need to make physical health or spiritual growth a priority?
Today, decide it’s about time.
“Teach us to use wisely all the time we have” (Psalm 90:12 CEV).
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is an award-winning writer, blogger, and speaker. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotions published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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