THE DELIBERATE TIMEKEEPER

Jesus was on Earth for just thirty-three years.  The major part of his ministry was during the final three years.  Sometimes, when I think about the impact he made in just that short blip of history, I {Ginny} just can’t help but stand in awe.  Then I think, “How did he do it?   How did he impact generations to come from just a short time in ministry?”  He IS God.  That helps.  But that isn’t the answer I’ve been realizing as of late. 

Jesus made the most of every minute.

He didn’t waste large portions of time on frivolous things.  Every minute was deliberate and for a purpose. 

As I sat and pondered that, I began to look at my own life.  If I blocked off how I used my time during the day, could I say that I spent most of my time living deliberately as a mother, a wife, and an ambassador for the Lord?  The answer is humbling.  It is a big NO.

I spend most of the day with my smart phone in hand, the iPad in the other,  watching TV after the kids go to bed, or zoning out in the car during the 3 hours I drive my kids around to school.  That doesn’t sound very deliberate, does it?

Then it hit me.  If that is how I spend my days, how does that impact my kids and others around me?  First off, if you are an iPad and smartphone-happy mother, more than likely, you will raise kids who are gadget happy.  Further, it shows my kids MY priorities.  If gadgets are my priority, then where do my kids fall?  If I say, “Hold on a sec, Sweetie – I have to see if my buddy replied to my Facebook message.  After that, I’ll play with you,” or “I know you want to go to the park, but I’m creating the most amazing Pinterest board.  Let me finish that first, and then we’ll see if we have time to go,” how does that make them feel?  

If I don’t want my kids to grow up feeling less than worthy and I don’t want them to put their time priorities in gadgets, what DO I want them to put their priorities in?

I pray more than anything that their number one priority be to seek the Lord and serve Him with all their might.

I want them to have a positive lasting impact on the world for Christ and feel that they are truly worthy of the everlasting love of their Heavenly Father.

If that is what I want for them, then I need to be a role model of that.  Therefore, some obvious changes need to happen.  I don’t believe gadgets or television are evil, but I think, just like any food or drug, they can become unhealthy if taken to an extreme.  I’m going to set times during the day, when my kids are not needing my attention, that I can check email, Facebook, Pinterest, etc and watch TV.  When I’m in the car for hours a day, I want to start memorizing Scripture, praying for those around me and for the ministries I’m involved with, and talking more with my kids.  Finally, I need to have one-on-one time with God EVERY DAY, not just when it is convenient.  I need to structure my day around God and not fit God into the structure of my day.

These are big goals, but necessary if I want to start living more deliberately and to be a better example for my children.

What is keeping you from living more deliberately during your day?  If you looked at how you spend your day, do you find yourself spending time on things that serve little purpose for eternity and can hinder your walk with the Lord – your relationship with your children and spouse – their relationship with the Lord?  Pray about how you can restructure your time to focus on the Lord’s priorities.

Ephesians 5:15-17 (ESV)  “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

Matthew 6:33 (ESV) “ But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

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