Looking back over my life, Father, I think of all the time that has been wasted. Over the last several years, I recall two sermons that reference the number of seconds we have in a day – 86,400. We eat, we sleep, we work – there are lots of things that take up our time out of necessity. But even some of those things could be used more effectively. Being more productive is a noble goal, but even then, sometimes productivity is not necessarily beneficial.
For example, when I worked at Kohl’s, two times a day, five days a week, I had a 35-40 minute (2100-2400 seconds) commute. Just getting to work is productive – and I was, of course, limited in what I could accomplish, but over the years, I have driven in silence, listened to talk radio and music, at least one book on CD, Bible teachers on radio, CD, and phone, listened through the Bible on CD a few times, talked to my mom (a lot!), my dad, sister, son, and wife. Some of these things are more profitable than others. I have prayed, too. And some I could have lived without. Many times, I don’t even think about it – I just do it.
Lord, help me to redeem my time. I realize that we aren’t required to labor every single second of our waking hours. But help me to be conscious of what I do with the time I am given. Help me to keep You in sight so as not to wander from Your side. If I can do more to invest in our relationship, may I do so.
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16 ESV
(Mar 1st, 2016, Tues, 5:24 am)
Feb 2nd, 2025, Sun, 5:12 pm
