Where Did My Time Go?  A Conversation with Myself

I cannot tell you how many times I have thought, "If I could just have a little more time to get this done."  Then the obvious hits me in the face... I only have 24 hours a day.  It seems unfair.  We cannot create time nor destroy it, but we can use it unwisely.   So I ask the question to you, where did your time go?

According to the American Time Use Survey (US Department of Labor), this is how we spend our day:

36%           Working (or related activities)

32%           Sleeping

13.5%        Eating, Cleaning and Picking up after others.

11.5%        Watching TV (2.5 hours if you don't want to do the math)

7%              Other Various Activities

So where is the time for family in all these numbers?  Where is the time to serve others?  In a country where just about every single citizen could be considered wealthy, in terms of global comparison and historical measurements, "Why do we as Americans seem to have less time for others?"  Even worse, "Why do we have less time for our own family?"  And the BIG kicker, "Why do we have less time to serve others and our own family, as Christians?"  Stop right here and think about that last question for a minute...

To speak honestly, I am the worst of all when it comes to spending time with my family and serving others.  Why?  Ultimately, I am being selfish.  I want to spend my time on what I want to do.  I've earned it, right?   I work for a big non-profit that does amazing work that impacts thousands so I should be good, right?  I get a big title that sounds important so I can do what I want, right?  I spend time with my wife and daughter, that's good enough right? I could go on and on to justify my behavior.  We all could. 

Today is Good Friday and this email is being sent at noon.  Most scholars agree the Savior Jesus Christ began his suffering on or with the Cross around this time of day.  For several hours, Christ suffered for us.  The word suffered doesn't even touch what really happened to him.  Christ had the ability, the power, the authority to do what he wanted.  Why didn't Jesus say what I just said?   "I want to spend my time on what I want to do.  I've earned it, right?   I am the Savior and the only begotten Son of God who already and will positively impact billions of people so I should be good, right?  I get a big title that sounds important so I can do what I want, right? I spend time with my Father, so that is good enough right?

Do you see how utterly awful my argument for being selfish is? 

On this day, if I could go back and ask Jesus, how are you spending your time?  The answer brings me to tears.

Spend some time with your family this Easter Sunday.  Spend some time serving complete strangers.  Don't be selfish like me, give your life away to others like Jesus did.