What if We Redeem One Hour?
I doubt if we appreciate the value of each hour enough. Hours that we can never recapture to live over again. Or can we?
Of course, we cannot actually reclaim an hour already gone by, but we can rethink how we plan to use future segments of time.
For instance, recently after work, I was enjoying one of my favorite television mystery movies with the intent of tidying up the house once the movie ended. My resolve quickly faded as the last scene came to an end. Instead of turning off the TV, I gave in to the temptation to watch “just the first hour” of another episode.
But then, in an almost miraculous moment, I turned the television off and decided to see how much housework I could get done in the same sixty minutes I would have spent watching another hour of “Garage Sale Mystery.” Because I spent that hour productively, I greeted Bert with a bigger smile when he came home that evening.
What if we were to practice this throughout the day, as needed? Understand, I’m not preaching against downtime. Indeed not. Rather, my intent is to help us feel good about the way we use each hour God gives us.
We could begin by developing a correct perspective regarding everything we do:
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17 ESV).
That verse, especially when we’re not feeling very motivated, can be challenging. Thankfully, our Father, Who knows each of our personalities, will help us. If we ask Him to, He will even increase our desire to do everything in a way that reflects Him. Thus, redeeming our days – and giving us purpose.
So … what can you accomplish during the sixty minutes – the time you were planning to use while scrolling through Facebook posts, playing Candy Crush, watching TV or something on Netflix? What choice will make your smile bigger when you greet your spouse this evening – or your boss in the morning? Whatever you decide to do, do it all in Jesus’ name.
What about you?
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- In what ways can you redeem some of the hours of your day or week?
- What does “do everything in Jesus’ name” mean to you?
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Thank you Sheryl for the great reminder and the motivation to use our time more productively. I know personally I do have a lot of time that could be spent more wisely.
Me, too, Barbara!! I have seen myself much more productive since writing this. I hope its message helps all of my fellow procrastinators and those who just need a little help to “get moving.”
Let us know how you’re doing with this — and when you need more encouragement and/or prayer about this, okay?
Great idea Sheryl. I find that when I have a large task ahead of me and I break it into smaller segments, I am more apt to get it accomplished. Cleaning my house is an example, I love the hour at a time idea rather than leaving it open ended. A deadline has always been a strong motivator for me. Thank you again for a very meaningful post.
You’re welcome, Marla. You and I seem to have a lot in common regarding this issue.
Thank you SO much for dropping by and for your comment!