Managing Your Limited Time

Julie Sanders invites women to peace in their homes and personal lives; and most of us need a lot more peace when it comes to our calendars and to-do-lists. In this Time Management UPGRADE, there are only two points—easy to remember!

“Though our to-do list seems unlimited,” Julie says, “our time is definitely not.”

I (Dawn) need to be honest here. Sometimes I don’t manage my time well. More often than not, it manages me! But I am learning to look to Jesus, who was sensitive to the Father’s will; and He is teaching me to develop that sensitivity too. I was eager to hear what Julie has to say about this “time-ly” topic.

Julie continues …

What matters most when managing the time we have?

Every woman has the same amount of time to manage, but some seem to be more productive than others. Is it just a matter of using the right planner, right calendar app or right schedule? What makes the difference when it comes to managing our days?

I’ve been using a planner for over thirty years, but I’m convinced that being a woman who manages her time well is more about perspective than planning.

To make the most of our time, we need to recognize our time is limited and our time is God’s.

“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).

1. Our Time Is Limited.

Wanting to do good to everyone is usually not the problem. The word for opportunity, “kairos,” describes a carefully measured and definite portion. Having opportunity means we have a limited amount of time to “do good.”

Only God is limitless. If we’re going to manage our days well, we need to accept the limited nature of our time.

So often we plan as if our time and energy are unlimited, but in truth, we have a fixed amount of both.

We set ourselves up for frustration when we accept obligations and make plans as if we can live to the edge of our limitations.

Accepting the portion of time we have available removes the burden of trying to do more than we are able. God knows our time is limited and only calls us to use our portion well.

2. Our Time Is His.

Planning is essential to managing time well, but our time is ultimately God’s.

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).

Time is a God-given resource Christian women receive in order to “do good.” When we disregard the One who gives and guides our days, we fall into selfishness that results in little “good” for others.  

Knowing that our available time belongs to God and is for His glory motivates us to use our time productively, but with willingness to accept divine interruptions. While we may begin our day with carefully laid plans, knowing our time belongs to God gives us the freedom to follow His lead and let go of lesser things.

We are more likely to be efficient, fruitful, and eternally-minded when we remember that our time belongs to our eternal God. Decisions become clear in light of using our days to please our Father.

We may feel that there are never enough hours in “our” day, but there are enough hours in “His” day to do good that honors Him.

Our time is limited, but our time is His.

How would your day be different if you accept that your time is limited and make decisions knowing it all belongs to God?

Julie Sanders, an author and mother of two nearly-grown children, has more on her to-do list than she has time for. She enjoys opportunities to minister overseas with her husband. Her local and global ministry to women has made her passionate about the issue of human trafficking. Read more from Julie on her blog.

Graphic adapted, Image courtesy of photostock at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

A Time to Plan

I’ve always been impressed by Debby Lennick’s approach to homemaking. I asked her to share some of her expertise with us in the months ahead so we can all UPGRADE our homemaking perspective and skills. Many in the younger generation might not have the slightest idea where to begin.

“When was the last time you thought of a homemaking or Home Ec class?” Lennick said. 

Now I don’t know about you, UPGRADE Friends, but it’s been a long, long time for me. (My Home Ec class resembled this cover photo at the Saturday Evening Post!)

Lennick continues. . .

Remember cooking and sewing back in the day? Maybe you’re thinking, “I still have that apron!” Or, “That’s where I learned to cook!” Or maybe you’re thinking, “Not me then, and not me now!” Either way, let’s revisit Homemaking 101.

What does “homemaking or Home Ec” mean nowadays? It simply refers to the economy of the home. The Dictionary.com definition of economy includes “thrifty management . . . management of the resources; an organized system or method.

Home economics or homemaking class may be from the past, but the principles are for today!

It’s the management of all home resources from food to finances, from tasks to time management. For this post, I want to discuss the resource of time.

A key to unlocking successful time management is planning.

Planning - a Spiritual Side 

God role-models planning.

We see this in the Old Testament. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). In the New Testament, Jesus said to his disciples, “I go to prepare a place for you” (John14:3). 

What a relief to claim these promises! He’s planning and preparing, and everything is perfectly synced! In today’s hectic pace, this is comforting.

Planning – a Practical Side

1. Since planning is about time, evaluate by answering these questions:

• How much time does your household have at home?  
• Do you want more or less time at home?  Why?
• Is time wasted by family members spending hours and hours on electronics (TV, computer, phone, the internet)?  
• Is it routine to run in the door faced with a dirty house, barely time to scarf down prepackaged or take-out food, just to be tortured by homework then flop into bed?
• How can meal planning be improved?

2. After evaluation, make a home schedule; aim for a balance between tasks and family time. The results will please you. In my house, it gives opportunity to foster relationships through intentional time at home, less media, cooking together and playing games.

3. Learn how to sync electronic calendars with family. This will help eliminate stressful over-planning and double-booking.

4. Review your electronic passwords and PIN numbers. Not remembering or finding them can be a frustrating time waster. With your spouse and/or older kids, intentionally research and discuss strategies to safely store and access passwords and PINs. Various solutions can include apps for smart phones, cloud/sky drives, and Google research. Banks and other professional institutions can be excellent resources.

5. Make “God-Time” a top priority. Non-distractive quiet time with God is a must in our busy lives. Be intentional to make this time.

“Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10. 

Absorb His Presence, and then absorb life around you. Seek Him for wise time management and planning.  The result?  An awesome home upgrade!

What is your biggest struggle with home time management? 

Debby Lennick taught Home Economics at Christian High in El Cajon, California, for more than 20 years. She earned a Home Economics degree from San Diego Christian College (formally Christian Heritage College) which emphasized “economy of the home” topics. Debby is committed to women’s ministry at Shadow Mountain Community Church and has a deep love for helping others make the home a Christ-centered place for everyday family life.