Who wouldn’t love to add more hours to the day? Twenty-four hours is just not enough time to get everything done. Unfortunately, I don’t have a mathematical equation or a scientific formula to solve this age old problem. There are only 24 hours in a day and there is no way to change that. However, I do know a way to get the most benefit from the 24 hours we are given.
1. Get plenty of rest. Pick an evening when you have the least amount of things going on and commit to going to bed a little earlier. Getting plenty of rest gives our bodies the energy we need to get through our busy schedules. As the day passes and we notice the clock ticking, we will have the energy to continue to push through the day and do what we can in the remaining time. Proper rest helps reduce stress and potential meltdowns, which waste valuable time.
2. Ease into your day. Don’t set the alarm clock for the exact second you have to leap out of the bed and hit the ground running. Set the alarm a little earlier. No—not so you can hit the snooze button a few times before getting up. Set it early to allow yourself time to wake up gradually.
3. Give your day to the Lord. Before doing anything else, spend time with the Heavenly Father thanking Him and counting the blessings in your life. Take a moment to listen to what He has to say to you. Read your Bible or devotional, and allow Him to speak to you through His Word. This gives us strength and peace to start our day. Remember to give Him your life and give Him control of your day. Allow Him to use it for His will and glory. “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you” Matthew 6:33.
4. Prioritize. If you are seeking God first and striving to be obedient to Him, then you will know what He has called you to take care of first in your life. Take care of things in order of importance. Leave the less important tasks for the end of the day. If they don’t get done today, there is always tomorrow. Sometimes it helps to make a to-do list so you can stay on track.
5. Be flexible and don’t sweat the small stuff. Remember you have given control of your day to the Lord. Whatever you have planned, may not be on His agenda. He knows what is best and will guide you down the right path. Whatever is not accomplished today was left undone for a reason. Continue to seek His will throughout the day and follow where He leads. Listen and learn from the lessons He teaches you during the day.
Procrastination leads to more stress. Today make a choice to allow God to lead you down the right path. A weight will be lifted off your shoulders as you trust Him to guide your day. You’ll realize it’s not more time we need, but the Heavenly Manager of our time.
