The melody of the rain on the tin roof over the front porch brings a sense of calm. Our little cabin in the mountains is the perfect fall getaway, and on days like today, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be. The colors of the season were most vivid during today’s drive. As we made our way through the Ozark – St. Francis National Forest, my husband identified the trees with vibrant leaves, showcasing his love for nature and plant identification.
I’m grateful that he can enjoy what he loves in his retirement. He has worked as hard as any man I know, possibly more so than most. But there are still many things vying for our time, and managing our time wisely is essential. Walking in wisdom includes enjoying the gifts God has given us, including the simple things that bring Him pleasure.
The book of Ecclesiastes puts many things into perspective. It urges us to think about life under the sun from the perspective of life above the sun and to consider time from the standpoint of eternity. Wisdom calls us to consider the brevity of life in decision-making and to evaluate each activity and its worthiness of our attention. One decision can affect another, and even good things must be evaluated correctly.
Time is our most valuable commodity, and even worthwhile things consume time we will never return. It’s essential to remember that it’s okay to say no to overscheduling and to evaluate the tasks that need to be accomplished. We must aim to keep our eyes on Jesus, practice what we know honors Him, and steward the time we’ve been given well. As Christians, it is through Christ-centered thinking that we can best prioritize the 24 hours of each day.
As we reflect on the value of time, let us remember to prioritize the things that matter most, including our relationships with God and our loved ones. Let us aim to use our time wisely, evaluating each task and decision in light of eternity. May we seek to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and steward the time we have been given well.
Debbie Swindell 