The only thing everyone in the world has in common regardless of race, gender, size or income is time.   It’s the most valuable commodity.  It’s limited and we only get it once.  A most profound statement made my Dr. Myles Munroe in his sermon “Redeeming the Time” was this…  “What you become depends on how you use your time.”

Circa 1980… I was raised out in the middle of nowhere USA.  Because I wasn’t “in town” with all the other kids until I was old enough to drive, I spent a lot of time alone, walking through the woods, or in the solace of my room, deep in thought.

I remember thinking at an early age about there being another “level” if you will.  I didn’t know what the Holy Spirit was at that time, I just remember the realization hit me in one of those quiet moments of deep thought, that you could get up and go through the motions of your day without ever really “thinking” about things.  (I saw it happening all around me.  People being led by the routine of life like lambs to the slaughter).   I realized at that early age, I had a choice.  I could get into a routine, and then live that routine, sort of on auto pilot.  School, home, cheerleading practices, ballgame, home.  But then I would think about how you could step back from that routine, really open your eyes and realize there is something more.  We’re here to do more than let the day rule us, and waste it.  There were deeper things and meanings, that I was sure of!

As an adult I fell victim to letting what happened in the course of my day control me, instead of me controlling my time.  I was always busy, being a mom, doing good things for others, but a lot of it was just “busyness” with no specific goal other than to get through the day the best I could.  I let my emotions and situation allow me to make some important, bad decisions that manifested in regret.

“Fail to determine where you are headed, and you will make the most important decision you will ever regret.”

The good news?  When we can recognize and learn from those mistakes that cause regret?  We can move forward boldly and not continue to beat ourselves up over them.  Regret keeps you from your future.  The cool thing about time?  Every day is a new day.  A new start.  A chance to make things right.  Time?  Holds hope!

In Habakkuk 2:2 we read – “And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.”

We must write down our goals and keep them in front of us.  In my current job our department is overwhelmed with projects.  As a team we set goals and deemed those our “Big Rocks”.  Each team member has 3 big rocks to move during the course of the coming year.  As we get requests that are often good, side projects, etc.  We were challenged to ask ourselves “By doing this, will I be pushing forward a big rock?” If not?  Then even though it may be a quick, easy win (and we all like those) – we were challenged to say “no” to those and ensure our daily tasks are pushing those 3 big rocks (goals) across the finish line.  I apply this principal in my daily life outside of work.  What are my “Big Rocks”?  What do I want to accomplish in 2018?  I wrote them plainly on a tablet, posted them on my refrigerator where I see them every day as I head out the door, and return home.  When I see them, I ask myself,  “Is what I’m about to spend my time doing going to help me reach my goals for 2018? Will I be moving one of my Big Rocks?”  And I’ve had to learn that sometimes?  It’s OK to say “No”.  To set boundaries.  To ensure I have enough energy left to love on my family,  to bring hope to the lost and the hurting.

When I think about purpose and how best to use our time?  I always go back to the great commission.  In Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus said… “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

We will all carry out the great commission in different ways.  The way I use my time, for my purpose, may look different than yours.  We were all given different talents and gifts.  But the end goal is the same.  We are called to bring hope to a lost and hurting world.  To find “the one” that left the 99 and needs to know there is a loving father, waiting to welcome them back, and that there is hope in Jesus and the redeeming power of the cross.

I challenge you to ask yourself every day, every task, every step – “Am I spending my time fulfilling my purpose?”  “Am I moving the Big Rocks?” or am I just going through the motions?

Because He Lives –

Kris