The Sneaky Thief - Time (Part 2)

 

We have all heard the saying, "Time is Money"," Press while the iron is hot" or " Make hay while the sun shines" but the reality is Time is always fleeting, and sometimes the more we think we have it under control, something comes out of nowhere and threatens to overthrow all our hard work and investment.  So the question is, how do we manage our time? How do we find the time needed to concentrate and accomplish those objectives given to us by our demanding bosses, while maintaining time for our family, social activities, church, or just plain 'Me-Time".

If you did not read last week's post, please do so now as today's entry will have more meaning once you have read part one. 

Now, like you, I know all too well the pressures that are placed upon us in 24 hours. Someone always needs our attention, advice, or just a listening ear, and being a Galilean, means that we must make the effort to be present, not a passive participant, but someone whose natural instinct is to empathize with our sister or brother in need. Yet, in the midst of all this, we still need to ensure that we get the job done and done right in the office, otherwise, our financial commitments may be in jeopardy. But more than this, I know how difficult it can be to still be a mother, wife, and homemaker in this daily rollercoaster we call Life.

I can see the smirk on your face, you're wondering how I find the Time to get all these things done, or if it's even possible and if it is, can you be successful too. Well, it is possible. Not because I have all the answers Beloved, but because I know the Man from Galilee, the Man who has all the answers to life's most difficult questions and so by keeping close to Him, I am able on most days to remove the cloud of procrastination. As a result, my days are more focused, I have a plan and I work it and I am generally able to accomplish even the most unpleasant tasks quite easily.

Below, you will find some tips on how to better manage your time for a more fulfilling life. Now, these, are not set in stone, however, I believe that it is a good starting point for anyone who needs a little more Time to enjoy the view.

• Embrace Reflection - According to Ignatian Spirituality, examining our consciousness is reflections on our lives which should help to reveal the Lord's plans for us, and thereafter, we are likely to be more accepting of the will of our Father. Reflection also helps us to face the ghosts in our closets, the little lies we tell ourselves, the habits that are difficult to break, or simply a revelation of our weaknesses during the last week. If we do not reflect we are more than likely to repeat the same errors in the future and considering how Time is never still, we need to make the most of TODAY. 

" If we confess our sins, He who is Faithful and Just will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 Jh 1:19 

• Embrace Planning - As a teenager, I can remember my mother telling me to draft a study timetable for the week and make sure to stick to it. It's the same here, what are your tasks on a daily basis? You alone know your routine, so plan for it and make sure to keep that plan readily in view. Secondly, make a list of all those possible reasons you usually give yourself for not sticking to the plan, and be honest. So whether you keep it on your phone, on a sticky pad on your desk, or you utilize an online planner or calendar...create a plan. But remember, the best plans are easily foiled if they are not made with God and for His glory.

" For I know the plans I have for You" says the Lord "Plans to prosper You and not to harm You, plans to give You hope and a Future." Jeremiah 29:11

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Embrace Delegation - No man is an Island! Jesus himself reminded us of this fact quite often in His ministry, " For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of Him that sent me." John 6:38. Delegation is a crucial Time management technique but one that is rarely used because of false perfection. We are not all experts, in all areas, all the time. We must trust others! So seek out those in your circle who can handle an additional task and trust them with it. It will build not only a stronger relationship but give you Time to focus on another task that is important. 

Embrace Change - When we plan it's upsetting when things do not go accordingly. We are angry and often lash out at those in our teams, but as Christians, we must remember that His way is perfect and sometimes, even when we seem to have covered all our bases, He asks us to make room for one more or to forget the plan altogether. Whatever, we do, we must do it for His glory. Let's practice humility!

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Thessalonians 5:16-18

• Embrace prioritizing Information - Little by little bad principles grow, how they begin we scarcely know. What do you feed your spirit man? In short, be conscious of the music you listen to, the shows you view, or the things you read. If it's not helping you to be a better version of yourself or challenging you to change bad habits, get rid of it; Block it! Delete it! Otherwise, it will continue to steal valuable Time with wasted pursuits.

" You must teach what is in accordance with sound doctrine." Titus 2:11

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Ephesians 4:29

I once read somewhere, that the reason we dilly-dally with our to-do list is that there are items on there that are unconsciously unpleasant for us, so we put them off because we do not find them interesting. However, the consequence of this is that we fail to realise that the pain of not completing these unpleasant tasks will be more intense than the pain of completing them, so it's better to get it done.

So Galileans,  let's be wiser than we were a day ago and promise to complete those items on our agendas quickly so that we can be free of it and capable of being present when and where it matters most- when we meet our little ones or spouses after a long day at the office, in prayer to our Father or when we do something for ourselves.

Finally, I encourage you to Embrace your Space- Find time to rest! Jesus rested after 6 days of work. You and I must also find time to rest- not necessarily sleeping in late on a Saturday morning unless it's as simple as that for you. But in a more constant sense, we should schedule a time during our daily mayhem for a cup of Milo or a bit of exercise. Rest refreshes our bodies and mind while reinvigorating our senses and our resolve to keep labouring in the Lord's vineyard.

P.s. this is our one-month anniversary...happy reading and thank you for saying Yes to accompanying me along the Galilean path. 

How do you manage your time? Let's discuss it! Visit our Facebook page Galilee Living today to leave your comments. Make sure to Like and Follow so that you will never be out of inspiration to keep you moving.

See you again Beloved, right here next week by the Grace of the Almighty.

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