rightthisminute!
twenty-four hours = 1 day = a gift
If you know me at all, you know that "not good in math" is merely one of my personality atttributes. Still, as someone with a Master's degree, I can tell you that I typically have the basics of adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing down (with my calculator, at least). So, I know that 24 hours yields (24 x 60) 1,440 minutes. Going even farther down the path of destruction math trail, I'll take away 6-8 hours, or 360-480 minutes for sleeping, and that leaves me with: 960-1,080 minutes in a day. 16-18 hours. That's it. And really, not even the entire 24 hours is promised to me. But...for the sake of this blog post, let's say it is...
Been reading through old blog posts and resolutions, and taking some time to think and pray and hang with God, and I've stumbled upon my resolution for next year. It won't be easy. And, as a person averse to writing down goals, due to my fear of failure lest I be held accountable for them, I take a deep breath as I write this post.
I resolve to be grateful for each day, and to spend my time on worthy things. Hi, my name is Gretchen, and I'm boring.
But, I'll take boring for $500, Alex. Why? Because I learned all too vividly this year, that time, specifically, 1,440 minutes each day, is all that I've been given. One of my close friends grieves a daughter, who went back to Heaven shortly before her 8th birthday, and one friend grieves a husband, gone suddenly and very unexpectedly at age 60. And...on Christmas, I learned that a family on my beloved Whidbey Island lost a daughter whilst on the way to Grandma's house for Christmas because a tree limb fell on their moving SUV.
We never know.
So...what makes something a worthy use of my time? Well, there are some non-negotiables, of course. Consistent quiet time to help number my days a'right. More time spend cuddling, less time spent snarking. More time spent loving my neighbor (whether next door, or on the off ramp). Less time frittering away on the computer. Don't I know the irony of the last sentence, given that I'm typing away at mine? But still. I think you get the picture.
As with any new resolution, it'll take...TIME (again, ironic) to get used to living more purposefully. And "worthy things" leaves a lot of wiggle room, I admit. For example: To work out, or to laze? Guess what? Sometimes lazing will be more worthy. But not usually. To minister or to muse? It might seem that ministering (e.g. wife-ing, mothering, volunteering, whatever-ing) would take precedence, but musing (praying, reflecting, planning) is also important. Perhaps the upshot of this is that my mind is now focused on identifying times when I'm wasting the gift of time, and times when I'm using this precious gift wisely.
Hoping and praying that in 2012, should I live to see the year unfold, that I can say it was time well and gratefully spent.
Blessings to you all.
"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain
a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12 (TNIV)
5 comments:
As always, a beautiful and exceptionally worthy post. I'm stealing it.
"Perhaps the upshot of this is that my mind is now focused on identifying times when I'm wasting the gift of time, and times when I'm using this precious gift wisely.
Hoping and praying that in 2012, should I live to see the year unfold, that I can say it was time well and gratefully spent."
Indeed.
Thanks, Jen. Appreciate your stopping by and the love given. xoxo
Gretchen, that's the verse for my blog, so I obviously love it. Enjoyed reading what's on your heart. I've got my 2012 list ready to go!
you seem anything but boring. Love your grateful heart!
What you really emphasized is balance, & it's so easy to get out of balance (at least it is for me..)
I too know of two families who just experienced their child's Homegoing (one was totally unexpected & he just turned 13), & we really don't know how much time we have to love on each other & hug those who we may typically walk on past (who usually most need the hugs.) Thanks for the insights once again, Sweet Friend.
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