Making the Most of our Time

I love the verse, “Teach us to number our days that we may present to Thee a heart of wisdom”. (Psalm 90:12)

I’m sharing with you something the Lord has been impressing on me recently. I am a person who lives by my lists. I write down things I need to get accomplished each day and delight in crossing items off my list as I complete the tasks.

Contemplating the end of summer drawing near, I was struck with how I don’t feel ready for it to end. There is so much I wanted to do, that I haven’t gotten done with the busyness of life. Things like cleaning and organizing projects, like special days with the grandkids, like fun stuff with Kelley and Kasey- things we don’t seem to get to do during the school year, family day trips to historical places, etc.

And yet, I’ve crossed a lot of things off my list. The Lord seemed to prick my conscience causing me think, “Yes, I’ve crossed a lot off my list, but what have I accomplished for eternity? What really counts? Am I just crossing off items on my list and feeling a false sense of accomplishment or am I making the most of every day and every opportunity to be used of God in the little things?”

For instance, we’ve had a lot of functions this summer- friends showers, weddings, anniversaries, etc. Yes, a lot are crossed off my list, but did I find someone to impact while I attended those things? When at church, did I just sit there or did I find someone to encourage? Am I just crossing off the lists in my life or am I making a difference in God’s scheme of eternity?

I am trying to teach this to my kids as well. Recently Kasey (my 11 yr. old) and I were talking and I encouraged her to have a ministry. There is an older couple in church who we’ve had into our home. He is Vietnam war vet. Kasey is very patriotic and interested in the brave men who’ve fought to secure our freedoms. I was explaining to her how a simple hug can go a long way. She has made it her goal now to seek this couple out in church and give them hugs, cookies, notes, etc.- simple acts of kindness. They absolutely LOVE her and she is able to brighten their lives just by reaching out in small ways. She recently told me when she is a lady and has kids she wants to name her son after this special man. She’s beginning to catch the vision of living a life of service and also reaping the blessings of being people who intentionally look for ways to serve others.

It’s all about our focus. We are here to advance God’s purposes in the lives of those he places us in contact with. Instead of just fulfilling our responsibilities and crossing them off the list, I need to remember to make the most of my time- to speak vision into the lives of the people God has cross my path. We are here to make a difference for eternity- to advance His kingdom and His purposes in our little corner of the world. As we focus on this we will raise kids of vision with driven purpose who sense our time is short and who long to one day hear, “Well done” when we enter into the presence of our Lord. So, as you plan for the school year which is fast approaching, remember you serve our mighty God as you pour yourself into those little lives entrusted to you. You have the most important job on earth!