A Weird Approach

A Weird Approach to Time Management

We're always rushed, always on the move, never having enough time. Almost everyone I know has little room for error in their schedule. Tragically, most people have little time for the things in life that they would say are the most important to them. When we overschedule ourselves in the belief that we can do everything, we stop being human and try to become godlike - not only impossible but also incredibly arrogant. Most of us are living at a pace that is not only unsustainable; it's also unbiblical.

Instead of our typical conclusion that we simply don't have enough time, what if we embraced the truth - no matter how weird or counterintuitive it might seem?

You have enough time to do everything God wants you to do.

God has given you everything you need to accomplish all that he wants you to do, including enough time (see 2 Peter 1:3). We don't need more time. We need to use the time we already have differently. You have time for what you choose to invest your time in. Every day most of us say, "I just don't have time to work out . . . to read the Bible . . . to go to church this week . . . to meet for lunch . . . to add one more thing." But the truth is, we find time for what's important to us. If golf is really a priority to us, we find time to play golf. If going to dinner with our friends matters, we make it happen. If tanning, working out, or getting our hair cut is a priority, we seem to find time. Catch yourself the next time you're about to say, "I don't have time" for something. Tell yourself the truth: either it's not a priority and you're guarding your time for good reason, or you simply aren't willing to choose to spend your time on it.

A Weird Approach to Parenting

The best thing you can do for your kids is to show them God working in you on a daily basis. I love the practical teaching of Deuteronomy 6:6 - 9: "These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."

You can do all these things God's Word encourages us to do. They can become a part of how you do life - in fact, they are only really effective if they're a consistent part of everyday life. Kids are quick to pick up on our real feelings and motives, so the only way to be a truly weird, life-changing parent is to express your faith organically.

Talk about God with your kids in the morning on the way to school, let them know when you pray for them during their day, and share a meaningful truth from Scripture on the way home from dance. Put a favorite Bible verse on the wall alongside Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber. Let them know the hardest part of your day, as appropriate for their age, and how you connect it back to your trust in God. Make spiritual conversations a part of how you do life.

A Weird Approach to Perspective

If you listen, God will show you something that makes your heart ache on behalf of his. He will bless you with a burden.

If you're like most normal -people, you're probably wondering, "Why in the world would I want a burden?" Most of us feel good when we avoid burdens - after all, isn't life hard enough? Why ask God for more trials, trauma, and tears? It's normal to want to avoid pain - human even. But God didn't put us here on earth just to feel good and enjoy ourselves. He doesn't give us our lives so we can master techniques in avoiding pain.

He puts us here to make an eternal difference.

He puts us here to show everyone around us how much he loves them.

He puts us here to be his hands and feet, his body and his heart.

 

2 Comments »

1. Craig,
   Very insightful comments. I’ve been working through time management/personal leadership articles, books and blogs for some time now and this really brings all those things into the spiritual realm and for that I’m thankful. Blessings, brother!

   Charlie

   Comment by Charlie Lyons - Sep 13, 2011 @ 02:04 PM

2. I really enjoyed your book!  It made me think, and it made me really glad that I’ve been “weird” all along.  :)  The best part?  My teenagers are weird too.

   Comment by Jeanne - Sep 14, 2011 @ 03:47 PM

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