The Gift of Time: Using It Wisely and Extending Forgiveness



Time. It's a concept we all understand yet often struggle to grasp. It's a relentless river, ever flowing forward, carrying us with it. We can't dam it, bottle it, or buy more of it. Yet, in this precious and finite resource lies the potential for incredible fulfillment or gnawing frustration. The key lies in how we choose to use it.

The Bible speaks of time as a gift from God. In Psalm 90:12, we are urged to "number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom." This verse reminds us that our days are limited, and true wisdom comes from recognizing that limitation and using our time purposefully.

So, how do we avoid wasting this precious gift? Here are some practical ways to make the most of your time:
  • Identify Your Values: What truly matters to you in life? Is it spending quality time with loved ones? Pursuing a passion project? Contributing to a cause you believe in? Having a clear understanding of your core values will guide your decisions and help you prioritize activities that align with them.
  • Set SMART Goals: SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Setting goals with these criteria ensures they're well-defined, actionable, and have a clear timeframe for completion.
  • Schedule and Prioritize: Once you have your goals, translate them into a schedule. Block out time for important tasks and prioritize them based on urgency and importance. Remember, the Eisenhower Matrix, a productivity tool that categorizes tasks by urgency and importance, can be a helpful aid in prioritizing.
  • Minimize Distractions: We live in a world overflowing with distractions – social media notifications, emails, and the constant buzz of our phones. Schedule dedicated times to check these and silence them during focused work periods.
  • Learn to Say No: Don't be afraid to politely decline requests that don't align with your goals or stretch you too thin. Your time is valuable, and it's okay to protect it.
  • Embrace the Power of "Done" is Better Than Perfect: Striving for perfection can be a time-waster. Sometimes, getting a task completed, even if it's not flawless, is better than letting it linger unfinished.

Life, however, isn't always about perfect plans and rigid schedules. There will be times when someone else's actions cause us to lose valuable time. Perhaps a colleague misses a deadline, or a friend shows up late for a meeting. The frustration is real, but how do we move forward without letting resentment take root?

The Bible offers guidance on forgiveness in passages like Colossians 3:13: "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Forgiveness doesn't erase the offense, but it allows us to release the negativity and move on. Here's how to practice forgiveness when someone wastes your time:
  • Acknowledge Your Feelings: It's okay to be frustrated or angry. Ignoring your emotions won't make them disappear. Validate your feelings, but don't let them fester.
  • Consider the Bigger Picture: Was this a one-time mistake, or a pattern of behavior? Understanding the context can help you determine the appropriate response.
  • Communicate Your Needs: If this is a recurring issue, have a conversation with the person about the importance of your time.
  • Choose Forgiveness: Holding onto anger and resentment only hurts you in the long run. Make a conscious decision to let go and move forward.
  • Focus on the Positive: Redirect your energy towards activities that are productive and uplifting.

Forgiving someone who wastes your time isn't about condoning their actions. It's about taking back control of your own emotions and time. The Bible reminds us in Ephesians 5:15-16 to be "very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." By using our time wisely and choosing forgiveness, we can navigate life's inevitable setbacks and live with greater purpose and peace.

Remember, life is a journey, not a destination. There will be bumps in the road, and wasted minutes (or even hours) are inevitable. The key is to learn from them, adjust your course, and keep moving forward with intentionality and compassion. By valuing your time and extending forgiveness, you can ensure that your days are filled with purpose and leave a lasting legacy.


Have you ever found yourself in a situation where someone else's actions caused you to lose valuable time? How did you handle it?

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