Where did the whole of November go?! Suddenly we find ourselves in December! The German market is bustling, people are christmas shopping. And Pantone have announced the theme colour[s] of next year. And people are preparing for 2016 already. Someone has already asked me what my new years resolutions are… arghhh….
The phrase “Time is of an essence” was constantly something teachers would always hint at me when I was a kid. When I wasn’t so antsy back then. And life was a drag.
But fast forward to adolescent/adulthood, this is probably one of the phrases that will pop into my head when I’m stressed and alone.. Yep, I have become as crazy as a short-legged roadrunner. I’m addicted to organisers, schedule books and calendars. Absolutely love clocks and watches (and yes they have to be on time down to the very second). And my favourite people are those who are just as enthusiastic as I am about schedules and organisers, calendar apps and reminders. But yes, I’ve become that antsy anxious girl who likes to be on time to things, and if not, gets incredibly flustered and annoyed. I end up running around like Martha getting things done frantically before deadlines. I end up becoming task-orientated and have no regard to being people-orientated anymore, mowing people down like I’m driving a bulldozer trying to get stuff done.
Bert’s sermon last week entitled “Just not enough time” really hit home. And I mean really. In a day and age when “time is of an essence”, hearing the right biblical message on time is almost like boom – in your face.. Ok, it wasn’t just good for me, but for a few other people who I know who are self-proclaimed high-flying overachievers like myself, agreed with me. The message was a reminder to realign our focus, know where we stand, stop and breathe. Not everyone is as time-conscious as us. And yes there will be interruptions and unforeseen circumstances in our day to day lives. Let’s be sensitive and help those around us (or know when to put our foot down and not if we know it isn’t beneficial for them).
A close friend of mine and I have recently started to become more accountable to each other when it comes to not agreeing to taking on too much and simply saying no. Coining the term “hashtag just say no”. It’s so hard when you’re a natural born helper. But sometimes saying yes to too many things isn’t very helpful when you’re overloaded with commitments up to your eyeballs. I know, I know. It’s one thing of knowing that it’s more destructive, it’s another thing actually saying no.
Then there’s this other concept of FOMO, otherwise known as having the “fear of missing out”. You fear saying no, because it will mean you’ll miss out on a good time. And you’ll later regret it because people are posting up things on social media of them having an amaaaaaazing time. Without you. (But maybe this is more of another underlying issue to sort out? comparison and jealousy, perhaps? maybe I’ll blog about this some other time!)
At the end of the day, we’ve all been given 24 hours a day. Some of us plan too much, some of us don’t know how to plan. One thing remains, and the bible tells us this:
Ephesians 5:15-17
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
And that’s the take home point from Bert’s message, which I like very much, and that is, if we follow God’s agenda first and foremost, He gives us the best opportunities to bless and be blessed, to shape and be shaped. Go listen to the sermon. It’s worth the time!
On a side note…
If you have time to kill, or you want stuff to look at while you procrastinate, why don’t you check out these links below?
– 20 Clocks that are not helpful in telling the time at all (I love clocks!!!)
– Why does time go faster the older you get? (a nifty little scrolling interactive graphic page giving you some really cool explanations on time perception!)
– EDEKA Weihnachtsclip – #heimkommen (Treasure the time you have with loved ones when you can. This video is really good. Youtube rabbit hole? You’re welcome!)
– Mastering the art of procrastination (or how to stop it).