Have you ever considered that redeeming time might mean managing time less, and paying attention more?

Often our time management is so rigid that it doesn’t allow for interruptions—for the joy of life to flow through our day. Some of those interruptions are actually the things that help the joy of life to flow through our day if we just take the time to see them that way. When we become stingy we usually end up losing what we are trying so hard to hang on to.

Make an attempt to consciously redeem some time each day:

• Take the time to listen to your child’s story and look them in the eye as you listen; giving them your full attention.
• Take time to join your spouse in some activity even if you simply watch something on TV with him/her that you wouldn’t necessarily do.
• Take a quiet walk by yourself to look up at the stars or view a sunrise or sunset.
• Take a moment to call that someone you’ve been meaning to.

If we can just learn to treat time as a gift and not as a possession, to allow ourselves to be generous with it, we might find we can enjoy time more and see it as the gift it is!

We have a need for rest that will not go away, we yearn for it whether we want to or not. But the taskmaster’s of our lives are always whispering in our ear that we do not have the right to rest. The taskmaster of our mind constantly pokes at us that we cannot rest till our work is done, when in reality the work is never done. Rest is not the well-deserved holiday, or the reward for getting everything done; it is actually the gift amidst the week’s work. It is not a bonus, it is a time to come guilt free and refresh our spirit even in the eye of chaos.

God cares about each one of us, and desires for us to take some time to reflect on Him and not just on ourselves. Our lives were meant to be slower and to allow us time to look beyond ourselves. Taking time to give our worries to God, to slow down and help a fellow human being, to be still, is healing for both the mind and body.

Lets try to take time to embrace what gives life and cease from doing everything we think is necessary. Discover pure joy in the simple moments of life. Be conscious of your body working for you throughout the day, enjoy a few deep breaths and the smell of the crisp air. Notice life around you and stop in the busy day to note these blessings that set our hearts and minds on things above and bring a sense of calm to our souls.

“Teach us to number our days aright.” Psalm 90:12

- Jen Bowz is a spa owner and a dedicated time manager who intentionally finds gratitude and joy in her day and encourages others to find it as well.

Balancing work and family