It’s probably partly due to the way I am wired, but we just had one of my least favorite days of the year. It’s not because I might lose an hour of sleep; it’s because I lose an hour of time. The day in the fall when we set our clocks back one hour is my happy day, but the day that we “spring ahead” by setting our clocks forward one hour always rubs me the wrong way.
I am a “doer”, and I am most fulfilled when I am accomplishing tasks or checking things off a list. So losing an hour of time to “do” has never set well with me. It always feels like the days are too short as it is, so I don’t like to have any less than 24 hours in any day. However, that doesn’t mean I always use all of my time in the best possible way.
The Bible reminds us of how short our lives really are and encourages us to use our time wisely. Everyone will interpret that concept differently, and we all need some “down time” and time for leisure – especially in our fast-paced 21st century western culture. But most of us could do a better job at finding that balance and making sure that we are devoting our time in ways that advances the kingdom of God.
There’s no formula to follow and no perfect examples to emulate. We are all inclined to waste time or to use it selfishly. But Ephesians 5:15-16 is a good reminder to us of how we should be viewing time and how we should approach the decisions we make about how we use it:
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” (ESV)
Every one of us can always improve how well we use our time; but consulting God and listening to his voice through every part of each day will help us make choices that honor him and further his kingdom. And I have often found that when I put God’s priorities ahead of my own during any given day, the time actually seems to move more slowly and I am able to accomplish much more. I believe this is the blessing of God for me when I choose to put him first.
So whether I get an extra hour in the fall or lose an hour in the spring, I need to make sure that all of the hours given to me are used in ways that are pleasing to God and make a difference for his kingdom, doing everything “for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
