Monday, September 10, 2012

Sands of Time . . .


"We give our lives to that which we give our time.  As I have said, while here in mortality we are subject to time.  We also have agency and may do what we will with our time.  Let me repeat:  
We give our lives to that which we give our time."
~Elder William R. Bradford~


I remember once, yes, I'm afraid it was just one time, I tried to be very organized!  I kept a cute little floral notebook with all of the things I needed to get done that week, I even tried to write really pretty and cross everything off as I finished . . . I think I even fit exercise into my plan - in my pretty little floral notebook.

I don't think I even got through the week - it drove me crazy!  I remember very clearly, that I spent more time looking for my cute little floral notebook, than actually doing the things I had wanted to accomplish.   What a waste of my time!

I have come to realize, that I don't really need that cute little floral notebook to figure out how I spend my time.  For instance, I spend a lot more time doing tedious little chores around the house, than I spend on my knees in prayer.  I spend a whole lot more time on-line, than I do reading my scriptures.  I spend way more time watching TV than I spend visiting my neighbors, or my mother, or those people who I love and who I know are lonely, or sad, or simply discouraged and could use a listening ear, or a hug. 

So, what am giving my life to?

It is very obvious that my house needs to stay reasonably clean and picked up, and I really do need to check in on my sweet friends on-line... :0)  And truly, can anyone say that their life has been enhanced by watching TV?  Even so, it's not wicked to watch television.  I guess the question for me is one of priority.  Am I giving my life to the second-est priorities, and forgetting about, or just tucking in,  first-est priorities where I can?  I think that might be the case with me.

Lately, I have been thinking a lot about this thing we call . . . time.  I even thought that I may have to do something about it.  I think I will try praying first . . . and then doing all of those tedious chores, or watching television.  I may even pick up my scriptures more frequently and read a few verses, before I turn on the computer.  Who knows, it may give me some inspiration!  But one thing I know for sure . . . I will definitely make more time for those I love.

It certainly wouldn't hurt to try!

What do you think about this thing called . . . time?!

Hugs,


12 comments:

Vee said...

Many of us are in this boat, I'm sure. One thing I grow increasingly aware of, I do not have as much time as I used to have. Prayer is the best place to start. One thing that I learned with housework is that there is always something to be done so to limit the amount of time I spend. Two hours is my limit. Whatever isn't done after two hours, will wait for another day.

LeAnn said...

Of my gosh; we are so sisters. I have been praying and thinking about the very same thing. What am I doing with my time? I fall into a routine that doesn't cover some of the basic things that I should be doing. I like your idea of not hitting the computer until yo have finished one or two of those things that matter most.
Love, hugs and blessings to you!
We should have a long talk again too.

Arlene said...

I think we've all fallen at some time to the distractions in our lives and have given up too much time to things that, in the end, are insignificant. I've given up a lot of television because of that. I found that I was sitting in front of the TV, then lamenting all the things that didn't get done. I wasn't watching bad programs; I'd watch decorating shows, or food network, or even Christian television, and I didn't realize how distracting it was! The same has happened on occasion with the computer, and spending time of Facebook. Like you mentioned, it isn't evil to watch TV or use the computer, but when it takes away from other more important things, then it's a stumbling block.

Great post Barb! Lots to think about and meditate on. Have a great day!

Unknown said...

I have to once in a while look at my priorities. Being older I have a lot less energy and as someone said need a lot more maintenance. My first goal is to not be a burden on my family and take care of myself as well as being there for them when they need me. It's the details that get complicated sometimes. What is the best way to do all that? I'm still working on figuring that one out, but I feel pretty good about where my life is. We can't do everything and that is why we need to pray first. I just started a new bible study and am putting my quiet time first again. Good post. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Sweet Barb, thank you for your thought provoking post. I find that time spent early in the morning in devotions with God sets the pace for the day. I spend my time a little more wisely and I tend to dwell on better things. (unless I have nightmares then it's a whole other story.)

Marge said...

Hi Barb, To answer your question . . .

IT goes too fast & I never have enough of IT! but I'm not complaining because I'm loving IT just the way IT is & dread the day when IT changes.

I'm just sayin . . .



Susan B said...

Excellent post Barb! I so agree with you! Even though I want to do the right thing...so often I allow myself to be distracted with unimportant things. Time does go too fast, and I should spend it on more worthwhile pursuits.

Kerin said...

It seems to me, that the older I get, the shorter the days get *grin.
I used to be "Super Woman", and I could take care of my family, and the yard, meals, the home, school obligations etc..
Now, I wake up, and before I know it "POOF", the day is gone!

It's always good to re-evaluated how we spend our time, how we relate with our loved ones, and how we live our religion.
If we can do better, then we must !!

I've been reading Pres. Hinckley's biography... there was no moss growing on that wonderful man's feet!
He was always anxiously engaged.
Such a great example :)

Hope you have time today to accomplish your desires :)

*smile
K.

The WIlloughby Family said...

I really like Vee's suggestion about the 2 hours. I could clean and re-clean all day long. A Mother's work is never done right....?? I think getting up early has been an eyeopener for me. When I get up at 6:30 or even 7 and start getting dishes done or cluttered picked up and then get her of to school, I have little chores to do the rest of the day. I may NOT want to get up but I know my day will run more smoothy. Everyone is different though. You are only one person and can only do so much. I think you do a great job!!

Welcome to the Garden of Egan said...

I feel much the same. I have learned some awesome valuable things do I am not giving up the computer.
Your blog is inspirational and very worth while.

Emily Fay said...

I am so sorry I haven't stopped by for such a long time! I have been switching my blogs - and am now just getting caught up :) Your blog is so beautiful and I can't wait to keep up to date with you! Have a blessed weekend~

Marge said...

Hi Barb,
I was in your neck of the woods twice. On Saturday 9/15 and again today the 19th. Salt Lake City was the connecting airport for our trip to and from San Diego. It's cold in your neck of the woods. and the mountains... breathtaking! You just never know who you're gonna find at the local airport, do you? hehe! Hugz!

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