Time

Time.  It's such a precious commodity.  I've come to have a stranglehold on mine.  I spent so much time while working being overcommitted that now that we are retired I am stingy about sharing my time or using it for anything that isn't in my plan.  And now that we have the new house pretty well set up (there's always something else to do though, isn't there!?!), I have more hours in my day for enjoyment, hobby pursuits, rest and relaxation....sort of.  LOL.   I cherish this time.  I like the extra time I get to spend with the Lord, I like that I can get exercise in (will-power!).  I like that I can watch tv and try to learn how to paint.  I like that we have time to relax and volunteering doesn't seem like such a struggle now.  But I still don't want to let go of my hold on my time.  I'm still terrified over being over committed and headed toward burn out again.  

God has allowed me these past 6 plus months of "self" time.  He's allowed me to set my schedule, fill my hours with my plans and kind of just take a break from a set schedule.  And it's been wonderful.  But He's not going to allow my selfish hold on my time to go on much longer.  How do I know that?  Because I'm starting to get some messages that's it His time and He has plans for me.  

A couple of weeks ago, I got a last minute call from the Pastor at our church.  He called to ask me to come sit with a young woman and her kids while she helped out at our church for a few hours.  This woman was down on her luck, struggling to support her kids and needed a helping hand.  She was looking to make some extra money and he told her she could do a few chores at the church and the church would pay her.  Since we didn't know her, our Pastor felt it prudent to have someone hang out at the church with her and he called to see if I was available.  

Well I didn't really have anything on deck for that day, so it was pretty easy to say yes.  I guess God was starting me off with an easy task.  LOL  But I'm sure that will change.  Message number one.  

Message number two came yesterday while I was out doing my exercise run, and as usual I was listening to Joyce Meyer.  Joyce was telling about how she was at a point in her life where she was tired of being overcommitted, over busy and worn out.  She felt it was time to focus her life to her "core commitment" and trim a lot of the other stuff off.  Well, she told a story about how she had planned a shopping day for herself, she was looking forward to enjoying some coffee and relaxation.  I love those days myself.   But as she was just getting into her day, she got a phone call....uh oh!  We all know what that means.  The "me day" is about to get changed to an "others day."  

Now, here's the thing.  She could have begged off, told the person that needed help she wasn't available.  And she could have walked away from the need and pursued her much needed, much deserved rest day.  She could have refused to change her plans.  I know I would have been tempted to.  But what would that have accomplished?  I'm pretty sure if she had done that she would have been feeling it the whole day....a little guilt, a little uncomfortable.  You know the feeling....when God asks you to do something, and you put it off or pretend it wasn't His will or His divine appointment for you.  The enjoyment of that day would have been gone and she would have missed God's  opportunity for service.  

So what did Joyce do?  She gave up her time.  She helped her friend.  She obeyed God's call.  And I firmly believe this story she told was an illustration to me that God will be looking to start filling my time (as if it's really mine anyway) with His plans.  I know this is going to hurt a little!  But I also know that it will bring the fruit of peace and joy that never comes from self-fulfillment.  I was and am so grateful for this message yesterday.  

So, I open my hands a little...letting that time go, giving it over to the Lord, it belongs to Him anyway.  My life belongs to Him.  We are told in 1 Corinthians 6:20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.  My time, my being, my hands, my feet, all of me belongs to God so I must be His to do with what He will.  

Lord, I belong to You.  Help me to lose any selfishness I have with my time and activities.  I know You will give me the rest I need, when I need it as I serve You and follow Your plans, Your "to do" list for my day.  I am willing.  I am open.  I am Yours.  And I am scared!  This feels like a big jump.  But I trust You.  In Jesus' most precious Name. Amen.  

Be open to God's schedule changes.