An Everyday Challenge

AN EVERYDAY CHALLENGE

Days, Weeks, Months, Years . . . All Time

Our days are filled with many responsibilities and job requirements. Our biggest challenge? Time. 

Why? Perhaps because it requires choosing priorities. That's not something that always comes easy.

For example, how does one balance the roles of husband, father, wife, mother, caregiver and/or provider? If these don't fit you, make up your own list. You may notice that you are expected to be a team player and not just a solo act.

Three basic ideas can help us make better use of time. Put them to work and you might discover a new sense of satisfaction.

(1 ) There is a time for everything: King Solomon wrote varied examples of our use of time in chapter three of Ecclesiastes. There have been times when I have stopped to read this list because I felt overwhelmed with what I felt was a shortage of time. Sometimes it's important to regain some perspective.

We are all in the race of time.

(2) The race is won at the finish: Picture a major race with spectators cheering you on. Then you mess up and fall down. Their mournful “oh-h-h-h, no-o-o-o” matches your feelings exactly. Now what? Give up? Or get up and finish the race? Be brave. Public admiration is fine, but the most satisfying reward is personal. Give yourself a heartfelt “hurrah” when you persevere under pressure.

(3) If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well: Have you ever tried to think of a situation where that didn’t apply? I have, and I haven’t come up with anything yet. Why do something if it’s not worth doing in the first place? Frustration can come when we try to do things well, but fail to meet others' expectations. The important thing is to be honest with ourselves and keep on trying. The personal inner glow of a job well done can be very satisfying.

Life is lived one day at a time.

Solomon said, “There is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live” (Ecclesiastes 3:12 NIV).

Use of time is an everyday challenge, but you can be a winner. The underlined affirmations can help.