Core scripture: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:15-17)

Message: I am struggling.  I came in this morning thinking I knew what I wanted to write about on my blog.  Nothing came out.  It feels as if I am trying unsuccessfully to stay afloat amidst remote learning and my duties as a husband, a father, a youth coach. 

Time management is so vital right now.  For all of us.  Sometimes it seems like I am spinning my wheels.  Trying to divide my time amongst over 100 students on Zoom is exhausting—especially when I still am still trying to learn who needs what.  By the end of the day, I am fried. 

Then I come home, only wanting to just zone out, put my feet up, and become one with the couch, yet my boys need me.  My wife needs me.  I attempt to tap into a reserve fuel tank that will power me through the day, and when my head hits the pillow, I am out like a light. 

Who should I give my time to?  What should I be doing to take care of others?  What about taking care of myself?  I feel like God is laying it on my heart to share three places I should be devoting my time to. 

First and foremost, I must give time to God.  Through prayer.  Through devotion.  It has been drudgery to roll out of bed at 4:50 am to begin my morning quiet time, but I know I am nothing without God’s wisdom.  I need Him.  Desperately.  Just pouring my heart out to Him in prayer puts me in the right mindset to tackle the day.

Next, I must make time for others.  When I selfishly focus on my own needs, I lose focus on life.  True fulfillment comes in helping others through the day.  My students.  My colleagues.  My family.  My friends.  They all need me, and God can use me to encourage them.

That brings me to my last point.  When you are constantly being pulled in 500 different directions to meet the needs of others, you need to make time for yourself.  Burnout will overcome you if you don’t get your rest.  Make time for yourself with whatever time you have leftover to refresh and rejuvenate.

In Ecclesiastes 3:1 it says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”  Finding that time for everything is not easy; however, you can be used by God in mighty ways if you prayerfully devote your time to the Lord, to others, and to yourself. 

Keep fighting the good fight.  Rally around each other.  The Lord will be pleased with your works if you use your time wisely. 

Challenge: Where do you devote your time throughout the day?  Do you give time to God?  To others?  Do you make time for yourself?  When you see one of those areas struggling, that is God nudging you to make time for that particular area.  Devote your attention to whatever season you might be in. 

Scripture: Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.  What does Solomon say we should be giving our time to?  How do we know when to give time to what? 

Prayer: Lord, when I am being pulled in so many different directions, help me use my time to glorify You.  Amen.