Priorities | The Speckled Goat: Priorities

4.07.2015

Priorities



I was having a conversation with my darling auntie the other day- we were talking about sewing, of all things. She was telling me about how she used to make clothes, but "who has time anymore?"

Who, indeed.

I think it's a common feeling. I mean, I know I feel that way. I get home from work, have supper, put the dishes in the dishwasher, finish up my evening cleaning routine, watch an episode of Andy Griffith on Netflix while reading blogs and looking at Pinterest, and next thing I know, it's 10:00 and I should really get ready for bed. How does that happen, anyway?



One of the ways that's really helped me try to reclaim my time is to look at where my priorities lie, and how I'm spending time based on those priorities. I mean, after all...

https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweatyWisdom-- Original photo source

Or, since Beyonce isn't really a big role model of mine, and also because I'm a bit of a grammar nerd...


Let's be honest. That woman got things done.



My world is full of distractions. It's noisy, it's busy, it's harried.

Most nights, my "relaxing" looks like sitting on the couch, computer on my lap with bright lights and interesting articles and projects and pictures, a TV show blaring the background. I write blog posts, check Facebook, pin recipes and decorating ideas on Pinterest.

And you know what? It's all stuff I want to do! I like doing it. I enjoy social media and TV and blogs and Pinterest. And I don't think that those things are bad, or that there's anything wrong with enjoying those things.


My trouble comes in when I look at all those things in my day, and then try to squeeze God in there somewhere, too.

Somehow, the One who is supposed to be so central in my life? My time with Him is the first thing that gets bumped when my days get busy.


To be honest, if you ask me about my priorities, my relationship with my heavenly Father is #1.

Am I living my life like my priorities are actually my priorities? Does my schedule show it?


Truly, my "lack of time" is really about my priorities. I feel like I don't have enough time in my day when my schedule looks very different from the list of things I think are important.

"Spend time on Facebook" isn't on my priority list. "Pin another recipe" and "Watch TV" aren't, either. And yet, my 24 hours are whittled down because of these things.

I'm so busy finding ways to entertain myself that I don't take time to do the things I actually enjoy, or things I think are actually important. And I don't even think about it. I don't ask myself, "Do I want to work on an embroidery project, or do I want to watch TV?"; I just go straight for the TV.

I'm not living intentionally.


I want to make the most of these days. 

"Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." - Psalm 90:12

So I'm praying that God would teach me to number my days, to make me wiser in how I spend the time I've been given.

And I'm learning to ask...

Is this something I need to do right now?
Is this something I actually want to do?
Does this reflect my priorities?


And if the answer is No, then maybe I should use my time more wisely.

Do you have a plan for being intentional with your time?


3 comments :

  1. I have been trying to schedule my day better. Each morning I've been writing out a "to do" list. But it doesn't have all chores. It also includes things like sitting on the deck at naptime with a good book or talking a walk BY MYSELF with a great food blog podcast in my ear. I'm trying to take more time for myself!

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    Replies
    1. That's a great idea, Ally! I've found that when it's on my list, I'm more likely to get it done (and not forget my plans!)

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  2. This is a great post that really made me think about my day and how I use my time. I know I have time that could be used for more important things!

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