How often do you hear people say, "I just wish I had more time." Or, "I need one more day in the week to get every done." "Where did the time go?" Or my personal favorite, "I need to make up some time." All of us feel this way at one time or another. Anyone who has tried to plan an event at the church, or called looking for volunteers to work on a project, or tried to find people to serve on a committee, will quickly realize that the most difficult part of the task is finding a time when people can participate.
We all work hard. Everyone I know is busy. Then how is it that so many of these very busy people are able to get so much accomplished? How do they serve on church committees, volunteer for special projects and support youth events? Time management classes and calendar/scheduling tools are ubiquitous. Because I have tried so many of them, I can tell you that some of them actually help. However, reading books and taking classes are one thing, living an effective Christian life is another. Over the years I have met a number of busy people who demonstrated an ability to keep a reasonable balance in their lives. Let me share a few helpful observations that I am trying to incorporate into my life.
Effective people decide what is important and then act on it. They control their calendars and schedules. I once worked for a highly successful senior executive who walked out of his office everyday at exactly 5:00 P.M. This act is contrary to the corporation's culture of long days and late nights. He left the office so that he could exercise before going home; he made time to take care of himself.
Effective people seldom appear to be overwhelmed. Behaviorists teach that people can change how they think by changing how they act. I believe that this is true. Don't act overwhelmed and you will be less likely to be overwhelmed. I find that I shy away from the hyper Type A personalities. These people give the appearance of being very busy. I wonder if sometimes we confuse activity with effectiveness?
Effective people communicate well. Have you ever tried to talk with someone while watching TV, or reading your E-mail or talking on a cell phone? I must admit, I have been on both sides of this one. I admire those all too rare individuals who can truly engage in a conversation; while they are talking to you they make you feel that you are the only person in the world. How often do we try to talk to God while we are involved in other activities or distracted by kids or other drivers?
We all are given the same 24 hours each day. What we decide to do with that time is up to us. I know that God has enriched my life, more than I ever expected, once I made the decision and took action to make time for Him and for His work.
