"Time is a limited resource. Once it is spent, you cannot get it back."
Do you ever wish there were more hours in the day, more days in the week, or more months in the year? Yeah, me too. I feel this way almost daily. If you’re here, you probably do, too.
Here’s a hard truth we all must face, though: time is a limited resource. Once it is spent, you cannot get it back. There will always only be 24 hours in a day, and one day our time will run out. So, how do imperfect, inconsistent, and frequently disorganized people like you and me make the most of our time while we still have it? Here are three questions that have helped me with this.
1. How do I Want to Spend My Time?
What are the things or people that matter the most to me? What fills me with life, joy, and appreciation for just how good God is? What drains me and leaves me more anxious or depressed? I find this to be the most enjoyable question of the three to answer.
2. Does How I Spend My Time Reflect My Values?
Stephen Covey once said, “We achieve inner peace when our schedule aligns with our values.” Have you ever looked at your calendar that way, as something that should align with your values?
3. What Small Change Can I Make Today to Make Better Use of My Time?
"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12 (NIV)
Making big, cold-turkey changes has hardly ever worked for me. On the other hand, small, practical, realistic changes have had staying power.
Slowing down to live a life that is actually aligned with your values in the world that we live in is a noble, difficult task, but it is not impossible.
Holden Hunt serves on the Central Production staff at Venture Church. He is a partner at the Hunt Club Campus in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
Common Questions About Making the Most of Your Time
How do I know if my schedule reflects my values?
Look at what fills you with life, joy, and appreciation for God's goodness, and what drains you and leaves you anxious. Then compare your calendar to those answers. The gap is where to start.
What does the Bible say about time?
Psalm 90:12 asks God to "teach us to number our days," and Ephesians 5:15–16 tells us to make the most of every opportunity. The Bible treats time as a gift with limits, which is exactly why it's worth being intentional about.
Where can I learn more about healthy life rhythms?
Venture's 7 Marks: Life Rhythms is a good place to start, and John Mark Comer's Practicing the Way can help you begin building habits and practices based on the life of Jesus.
Next Steps: Build Healthier Rhythms
Want help putting these questions into practice?
Go deeper: 7 Marks: Life Rhythms are spiritual practices that reflect God’s design for life, like fasting and rest. Find videos, recommendations, and other tools to help you start practicing life rhythms.
Find people who'll help you stay consistent: Find a House Church Near You
New to Venture? Plan a Visit to a Campus
Related Reading
Feeling like your worth depends on your performance? Read Parenting Out of Bounds: Youth Sports, Pressure, and Identity.
Busy parent? Read After-School Conversation 101: How to Get Past “Fine”.