Flowing with Time
Any motivated individual can find herself in a state overwhelm. We can strongly sense having too much to do and not enough time to do it. This perception, however, is an illusion. Such an idea is not rooted in truth. God does provide enough time in which to do the work He gives us. Additionally, He allots specific times in which to do each thing, as “there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
If we feel we have too much to do, we likely do not see in which “season” we stand. Is it a time to work? Or is a time to play? Conflicts arise with competing obligations. If we feel that we must complete work-related tasks but also fulfill family commitments, for example, the sense of time scarcity arises. We want to spend time with our families, but we also know the importance of completing our work. At such a point we should seek God for clarity regarding the proper use of our time.
If we feel tension and unease, both which are symptomatic of fear, we lose touch with His love and with our full trust in Him. We are encouraged to “not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6) With a grateful and humble heart, let us seek God for direction and answers. Let us believe He will guide and then gratefully follow His lead.
The following are practical steps for embracing each “season” of time:
– Begin each day by asking God to make clear the priorities for the day. Setting the proper tone for the day brings focus. As we fulfill the priorities He has set upon our hearts, the sense of time scarcity diminishes. We begin to step into the flow of time. List clearly the must-do items of the day and order the according to importance.
– Trust in God’s providence, as “my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”(Philippians 4:19) Yes, this includes providing enough time. Fully trust that God provides enough time for the things which need our attention (which may not be all things which want or demand our attention).
– Learn to say “no” with purpose to those things which pull you away from your goals and purposes…in order to say “yes” with power to those things which brings you closer to them.
– Take time to be present and fully aware of the moment. Feel the sensations, hear the sounds, smell the scents…experience the moment with all your senses. Remember that ultimately all is eternal now. It is therefore important to embrace the present, as doing so connects you with the flow of time.
– When sensing overwhelm, take some time to step back before stepping forward with tasks. Overwhelm often results from the lack of larger perspective. When stepping back and viewing the variety of tasks from a broader standpoint, you can appreciate the importance (or lack thereof) for each of the individual tasks at hand.
As we travel purposefully upon our personal pathways, let us wholeheartedly seek God’s guidance regarding the use of time. Let us embrace each moment, discern our “season” and begin to flow with rather than resist the movement of time. Let us remember also to live each moment in a state of love, for this truly is living on and with purpose.
Copyright 2011 Caroline Gavin
How do you find yourself flowing with time?
