The Value of Time
There are a billion ways to use our time. We can spend our hours making money, making friends, investing in our community, enjoying God’s creation, learning new hobbies, or stressing over our calendars, and the list could go on forever. Time is our most valuable resource, yet how can we use it well to glorify our Father, understand our own human limitations, and steward our communities well?
As we step out of college, arguably for the first time in our lives, we are at a point where we have no certain direction for what is next. Post-grad life feels daunting when it seems like so many people around you have “direction.” I see friends spreading out and entering so many different stages—whether grad school, getting married, having children, living in a big new city, or taking time at home. It feels like there are so many options that it is overwhelming. So, which is better? How can we spend our time being present while still preparing for whatever is ahead?
The answer that I have seen is yes. Yes, exactly that. Yes. When many God-glorifying options are in front of us, it’s deciding between good and good, but everything comes with ups and downs.
While this may be true, it still does not answer the biggest questions: What are my priorities? How do I know where to spend my time? Is rest really necessary?
A few months ago, I just wanted someone to tell me I was doing “life right” and give me advice on the next step. But little did I realize what was lying ahead on the road. I made the decision to join the Nashville Fellows, but the thought of what it would look like has changed because of varying circumstances. I was prepared for the fellows' program to be a huge commitment, but I did not account for the added challenge of juggling old friendships, navigating a new city, new friends, a new job, all while being newly engaged and planning a wedding long-distance.
All these things matter to me, and I want to be everything for everyone, but I only have about 16 hours in a day with human limitations mentally, emotionally, and physically. So again comes the question of how to parcel my time.
Limited time corners you into making decisions, and "decision" to me is a very daunting word. Saying yes to things means saying no to other good things, and I love keeping any door open. What gravity does my yes have if I am saying yes to everything? Making commitments is actually the way that I am shepherded into spending my time well, learning what to prioritize, and attempting to learn how to say no, even to good things honestly, by failing to uphold my ability to do everything.
It is fair to say that it is hard here in the beginning, and no one wants to say that they can’t do it. Transition is the time when everything can get overwhelming and push our human limitations to the point that we have no choice but to drop to our knees. I used to pride myself on being dependable, available, and a helper whenever others needed. Now, in this chapter of change, I am watching those unrealistic expectations for myself change. I am having to be the one to ask for help, and my limits are what put me in my rightful and most glorifying place: face down, at the feet of Jesus.
The challenge of learning how to spend my time breaks me down to accept the arms of a compassionate Father, loyal friend, and wise counselor. I am sure that the people, events, and conversations in the Nashville Fellows are pushing me to follow through with commitment, wrestle with priorities in a community where I am being challenged and comforted, struggle with not having control of the unknown, and learn the humility to ask for help and lean on others.
So regarding this question of time: I don't know what tomorrow holds, but I know the One who holds tomorrow. In light of that, it's one foot in front of the other, one day at a time. Even King Solomon in all his wisdom said, "Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man."
Where in this life can I invest my time and trust? In every moment of every day because we can never get time back. I know that I will look back later and be grateful for this season. I am learning that any transition is challenging; there are times I will use my time well and rest, and other times I will fill my schedule up to the max. But there are two truths that I depend on: change is constant, and God is present through every change.
Sarah Jones, Class 14
Hometown: Fairhope, AL
Auburn University Graduate
