have some time

It's Sunday night. Almost 11 pm. I'll tell you what I should be doing-- sleeping.

When it's past noon, sleep in my mind is overrated. If the alarm is going off at 5am then there is very little that I'd rather be doing than sleeping, but once I'm up and into my day, sleep is usually far from my mind. Even when I'm tired, I'd rather busy myself than rest. That may be slightly ADHD on my part but I guess it's how I'm wired. It almost kills me to relax unless it's either scheduled or so far removed from anything else productive that I could be doing that distraction is not even an option. Such as, I have no problem laying by a pool in the sun. But when it comes to watching a TV show at home or sometimes even taking the time to read a book when I'm busy, I almost feel guilty. I can't sit still or focus. Too much to do.

The other day I was working out at the gym and there was an older gentlemen next to me.

A comment was made about how it's unbelievable that the year is already half over.

"Time seems to go faster the older you get," I remarked.

The older man nodded his head. "That's for sure."

Then I thought: That's a universally accepted statement. Most would agree that time seems to speed up as we get older. It must be true because no one is getting younger. We're all getting older. So if we all agree that years go by faster the older we get, then it must be true. Is it because as technology increases, we are more accustomed to lives that deliver instant gratification, or is it simply because age equals a "faster" perspective on life? Perhaps a combination of both. Either way, all that I know is that I must take time to slow down.

Life is too short to let it rush by me.

One of my favorite quotes is, "Nobody ever laid on their deathbed wishing they had spent more time at the office."

While this pertains to workaholics, it also applies to life that is "wasted" in general. Whether it's work or something else, we all find ways to misuse or waste our time, sometimes without even realizing that we're doing it.

Yet at the same time, we must find a way to conduct a meaningful life while allowing time for enjoyment. It's not as if we should sit in hammocks all day sipping lemonade and reading our favorite novel, but every once in awihle, it's good to make time to do that.

Some of us do a great job of decompressing and allowing time for "self," and others of us overcommit and find ourselves spinning in circles with too much to do and not enough time to do it. The key is balance.

Whether we are bored or busy, one factor that should stay constant is time w/the Lord. That's a challenge to me. Often I find that when I am busy, it's easy to make exceptions in my schedule and the most important thing in my life is the first thing to go. Often having too much time on my hands can also be a detriment. "Oh, I have plenty of time. I'll get to it later." The key to consistent daily time in the Word and prayer with the Lord is to make it a lifestyle. It's not an option not to do it. I don't go a day without eating or drinking; it's essential. Anyone who knows me personally could tell you that I'd be a train wreck if I tried to pull that. I'd be an emotional disaster. It would have a big physical effect on me. So if I cut off my spiritual nourishment, shouldn't hte same effect take place?

Sometimes I begin posts and I have no idea what I'm going to write about. Tonight was one of those nights. I never worry... there's usually always post material floating around in my mind somewhere. I even had a few topics that I've been wanting to cover, but this wasn't one of them. It's interesting... I don't know why certain thoughts come out of my mind but tonight, this was the one.

Today...
Start a good book, grab coffee with a friend, play an instrument, go on a walk, pick some flowers, listen to your favorite song, or sit outside on your porch.

Even if you don't think you have time.

Because more and more... I'm finding that with myself, I have time for what I make time for.

Love you all!

T