Identify Your Time Robbers
Patches’ Big Friend is Hiding Something (read the article below to learn his secret)
“… walk not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16
New year’s resolutions are simply not my thing. I learned a very long time ago my resolve is more of a wish list. However, this January I decided changes were needed in my life.
Instead of resolving to do better, I asked myself what were my time robbers; how did I spend my precious time. Also, I determined to make changes accordingly. This hurt a bit! (This hurt a lot!)
I would often say I didn’t watch much tv; I don’t like the new sitcoms and comedies and the news is disgusting. Yes, well … truth be known, I DID without realizing it. Enjoying lunch or dinner in my comfy chair in the livingroom, I tuned in an old game show (concentration or password plus) while I ate. So, I’m thinking I’m feeding my brain as well as my tummy. Good, right? Hours later …!
World news at 5:30 while I ate my cereal shouldn’t be a problem. However, if I then flipped channels and found an older Hallmark movie …! I am not a disciplined person. I lie to me when I say I’ll only watch an hour a day or whatever. Not!
My chair is at the far end of the livingroom by a little table with books and remotes handy. On Friday, January 6, I put the remote under Patches’ turtle friend at the other end of the room by the fireplace. To watch tv, I have to get up and go get it. The tv has not been on since January 6. I am redeeming the time.
Click for three common time robbers we each face.
My second time robber is Facebook. Now, I will say, I like Facebook; I use it for ministry; I am encouraged by the comments and Scriptures. Quitting is not an option for me. Even so, it has to be curbed drastically! Easy peasy! I deleted the app from my phone. Now, if I have time to browse FB, I have to go into the other room to the computer. (Exercise!)
I have others, many others. I’m guessing you do as well. For me personally, I feel God calling me to redeem the time seriously. When I celebrate the tenth anniversary of my 9th birthday (2032 if you’re counting), I want to know I’ve given God my best; used the time He gave me wisely.
Please jot me a note below; what are your time robbers? How has God met you there?
Blessings and hugs,
Facebook and games have been mine. I, too, decided to change that this year. I check Facebook regularly but I have cut way back on playing games on my phone/tablet. As a result, Charlie’s quilt is almost done, my house is more organized and my brain feels better.
Shyre,
I so agree with “my brain feels better!” I have no DOM responsibilities (thanks to our wonderful new DOM and his wife). Cathy VanDruff is now the Women’s Ministry Director (21 years is long enough for me to do it). Both Cathy and DOM Terry have amazing ideas; I know God is at work in DCASB churches.
So, I should be getting my books finished, home in order, etc. Instead, I was feeling overwhelmed and not understanding why.
Congrats on the quilt. Praying for your family. Thanks so much for the note. It means much. Hugs,
Facebook is my biggest time robber. I have deactivated it many times just to log back in on a whim. Its been a problem ever since the FB app os preinstalled on most phones and can only be disabled on most phones. My current phone does not have the FB app but I use my phone browser to access it. Which is still way to often. I have been praying about what God wants me to do.
Andrea, wow! Thank you so very much for making time to comment; I really do appreciate it. FB seems to be most people’s problem. I think we need a FB Anon! I, too, catch myself wanting to log back in…just for a check! Can’t do it!
For me, I simply lack the discipline to say “no” to myself and mean it! Sad to say at 80! My mommy would whup my tail. Praying for you for this and for your sweet family. Sending hugs.
And Thanks Again!