The Best Laid Plans

So what in the world have I been doing this morning?

Let's see. I slept later than planned for one. Then I walked out to the mailbox to get the paper I never read. I played with the TV for a while and got distracted briefly by a discussion of healthy foods with an expert whose name I never got. Then I looked at the wedding album of the folks whose house I'm staying at. I walked through the house a few times for who knows what reasons. Oh yes, and I did finally get in that time with the Lord.

Praise God for that, because otherwise I'd probably still be wandering around the house aimlessly or reading a Rifleman magazine or surfing the TV channels or going back to bed. But alas, the Lord has gotten me back on track.

One of the scriptures I have memorized this year actually brought me back to my senses. It's a good thing I meditate on this verse every morning.

Therefore, be careful how you walk,

not as unwise men,

but as wise,

making the most of your time,

because the days are evil.

Ephesians 5:15-16

Evil days? How are the days so evil? They're just days, right?

Well, if I spend my time foolishly instead of accomplishing the work God has prepared for me this day, then the day is evil. It has robbed me of joy, purpose, and significance. Not only that, but I end the day frustrated with myself, wondering what I might could have accomplished if I had used my time otherwise.

How can I be careful of how I walk and use my time wisely? Here are a few of my thoughts on fulfilling the admonition of Ephesians 5:15-16:

• I commit the day to the Lord and surrender myself to Him for His service. "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!"

• I know my purpose. When I know that my purpose is to glorify God and to do His work, whatever that may be for that day, then I feel the weightiness of staying on task.

• I know what roles are mine and which ones are not. For instance, while it is my role to love and support my grown children, it is no longer my role to do for them things which they can do on their own. 

• I take note of those things which easily distract me. I no longer even turn on the television in the morning. This used to be a huge time-wasting trap for me. I also set limits on when to check Facebook or Twitter.

• I value my work. While my work should not master or drive me, I do need to see it as work assigned by the Lord for which He has graciously gifted and called me... Even if it's folding clothes or bathing the dogs!

• I ask God to keep me on task. I give Him permission to be my "supervisor" throughout the day. Since I work freelance from home and don't have anyone to whom I am accountable, it is important to remember that I am still accountable to the Lord for how I use my time.

• I meditate on truth. I can't tell you how much just memorizing Ephesians 5:15-16 has helped me get a grip on my day! The passage may sound foreboding, but it does me good to remember that the day has the potential for serving me ill. It makes me want to use the day for the Lord all the more.