How To Make Time For What Matters Most

 

If only we could make time for what matters most. Whether it’s our to-do list, hobbies, finding more time with loved ones, or even more time to sleep; there simply isn’t enough time.

No Time For What Matters

We always thought we lived hectic lives; until, we faced financial hardship.

Many years ago when we were in the real estate business and the market was on the rise, making money was easy.

However, when business slowed down, we found ourselves spending more time trying to earn a living. Which ultimately, left us no time for what mattered most.

As a result of working so hard, we didn’t have time for God, our marriage, or our family.

Can We Really Have More Time?

The reality of our marriage falling apart under financial pressure, was the catalyst for the change that was to come.

As it was in that moment we sought help for our marriage.

Our mentors helped us see that work became our ultimate priority. And living with that imbalance not only made us feel distant from God, it put a strain on our marriage and our family.

It was then that we learned about the priorities of God (God, Spouse, Family, Ministry and Work).

Our mentors taught us that when we honor God by living within HIS priorities, He would bless the work of our hands.

“This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.” ~ Joshua 1:8 (AMPC)

You can imagine since we were self-employed at the time, that concept was confusing.

This new way of living came at a time when we felt that we needed to work really hard to make ends meet.

“But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.” ~ Matthew 6:33 (AMPC)

Ironically, when we prioritized God, we spent less time working, and more time focused on what mattered most.

Please don’t misunderstand us, we didn’t neglect working. We just didn’t let it work consume us!

God Blesses Us When We Prioritize Him

When were intentional about living within the priorities of God, we saw blessings in unusual ways.

“And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” ~ Hebrews 11:6 (NLT)

Cards were mailed to us with people expressing God placed us on their hearts, and they just wanted to be a blessing by enclosing a check.

There was a time when we went online to pay a bill and when we logged in for some strange reason, the balance due was $50 less than what our bill said.

We saw God increase our finances supernaturally when we stopped focusing our time on making money and began using the 24 hours God gave us for what mattered.

How To Discern Our Time

You see, it’s not about needing more time in a day. It’s about discerning the 24 hours God gives us.

Someone told us when you realize your to-do list will never get done; it will help you see your to-do list differently.

That insight changed our perspective on how we used our time. As it caused us to implement the 3 D’s to our to-do list: delay, delegate or delete.

Delay, Delegate or Delete?

Sure everything under the sun needs to be done. The house is a mess. We need to go grocery shopping, do laundry, homework needs to be checked, and the kids need to be picked up.

Someone needs prayer or counseling, and by the way; I need to pray. And what about going on a date with my spouse. Let’s not forget work because you know what they say, if we don’t work we don’t eat.

If this sounds like your day and your to-do list consider taking a step back and ask yourself:

What Can I Delay?

Everything does not need to be done right now. This was difficult for us when we were self-employed. However, learning this is what brought us peace in the unknown.

We are told in scripture to be anxious for nothing. So if things couldn’t done in the amount of time we allocated, we were peaceful in waiting.

What Can I Delegate?

This is a tough one because many times we think we are the only ones who can get the job done. Some may even feel threaten by those who may be able to do it better.

However, there is no I in TEAM.

If we want to get more done in less time, we are going to have to learn to delegate to others. When we do less we are able to do more!

What Can I Delete?

When looking at your to-do list, if it doesn’t have a direct impact to what matters most consider deleting it.

Busy work is just that; busy work, not intentional work.

Our days should be filled with task that help us reach our ultimate goals.

What Matters Most

Living within God’s priorities became our lifestyle, as we began prioritizing our day by applying the 3 D’s to our to-do-list.

When we ask ourselves these questions every day, we will become more effective by focusing on what matters most.

For things do be different, we are going to have to do something different.

In The End

The demands of this world makes us think there’s never enough time in the day.

But God only gave us 24 hours in any given day. He tells us in Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 that there is a time for everything under the sun.

That means everything will get done, but only at the right time; God’s timing.

If we were meant to get everything done in a day, God wouldn’t have given us days with hours. As our day would be infinite.

The reality is, there is sufficient time to get what matters done. We just have to make better use of our time.

So tomorrow when you look at your to-do list ask yourself which of these task can be; delayed, delegated or deleted.

PS…If you’re serious about making time for what matters most, considering taking our FREE 5-day PRIORITY LIVING eCOURSE!

~André and Timberley Gray