Our time is so precious. Yet, we waste so much of it. I’m preaching to myself on this one. I waste so much time on social media, being too cautious, and overthinking. Can anyone relate to that?? Well, when it comes to time, we shouldn’t waste it, because we don’t know how much of it we have.
Our culture is so progressive. It seems like everyone has a smartphone (team iPhone over here!!) and we spend so much time on them. Studies shows that the average young adult spends about 5 hours a day on their phone. That’s about a third of waking hours per day!!! I am definitely one to say that phones and electronics are tremendous help to our lives, but it becomes a tremendous problem when we can’t carry on a decent conversation with people in our lives without checking our phones.
Imagine how much more we could learn if we limited our times on our phones. We could learn so much more, and we could find so much more about our world just by putting social media down. I’m not bashing us, because I am a culprit myself, but I do want to ask that question: are we wasting time? I am a firm believer that when we focus more on our goals and growing, that is when we will be able to not waste time and to seize the day.
One of my favorite moves is called “Dead Poets Society”. In the movie, the teacher shows his students how to live outside the box, and dare to dream and not waste time with those dreams. One of the words that stuck out to me in this movie is ‘Carpe Diem,’ which means to seize the day. To take advantage of opportunities that come into our lives. To really progress as a person, and use our knowledge to the best of our abilities.
On a spiritual side, God calls us to not waste time. Scripture says in Psalms 34:4-5, “LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is.” Also, Ephesians 5:15-17 says, “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.”
These verses are so poignant and necessary for our daily lives. It’s okay to take a break to relax and rest, but when that turns into wasting time and not taking advantage of what God has given us, that is when it becomes a problem. So I challenge all of us this week: pursue your passions. Find ways to not waste time and really dig into the reason for why you do what you do. Be productive and love the people you interact with.
Much love,
Ryan W.
