I’ve often heard people lament that there are not enough hours in the day. When I was in college and had deadlines for papers, I remember thinking, I wish I had another hour or two in the day! The reality was, I’m not sure if I used the hours I did have as wisely as I should have. If there were 22 hours in a day, I think many would wish for 24. If there were 26 hours, would we wish for 28?
Leap year provides “an extra day”, which makes me think about how we use our time on a regular basis. God has allotted us with 24 hours in a day. It is something that is already determined and set in motion. And so, our task is not one of controlling how many hours are in a day, but one of stewardship. I believe God in His wisdom gave us the right amount of time. And now He leaves it to us to grow in wisdom to use the time wisely.
Ephesians 5:15-17 tells us, “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.”
Believers are to make the full use of their time to help others turn from darkness to light. This requires intentionality on our part. I believe for most; it would not matter if there were 26 hours in a day. I think we would find ourselves filling our time with activities that are our normal pattern. And so, let’s just focus on doing our best with the time God has given us. One practical step might be charting out a timeline for your day. Are there guidelines that you can give yourself to serve as a helpful target for delegating your time use wisely? It doesn’t have to be something you are legalistic with, but can provide a barometer that helps you gauge time use and to perhaps introduce some wise limits, practices, and rhythms that produce a wise structure to your life.