Spending Time

by Ami Hendrickson

“For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life? For what will a man give in exchange for his life?”

Mark 8:36-37

Every year, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (https://www.bls.gov/news.release/atus.nr0.htm) conducts a Time Use Survey. According to the responses in 2017, on any given day, the average American over 15 years of age spends their time in this way:

• Sleeping – 9 hours
• House maintenance - 2 hours (includes food preparation, house cleaning, laundry, and lawn maintenance)
• Eating and drinking – 1 hour
• Working (if employed) – 8 hours
• Leisure activities – 5 hours
• Commuting to work – approximately 1 hour
• Shopping – approximately 1 hour
• Caring for others – approximately 1 hour

The same survey found that “organizational, civic, and religious activities” account for less than .3 hours daily.

We talk about time in terms of money, “spending” it – knowing we will never get it back. Often, the family takes a back seat to fortune. God lags behind leisure… or sleep. We spend vast quantities of time asleep, working for other people, or indulging ourselves with entertainment.

“For what will a person give in exchange for his or her life?” Jesus asked.

Why not spend your time with The One who holds eternity in His hand? He has already sacrificed His life so that you and I can live forever.

Pray

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for giving Jesus’ life to save me.
I want to make You an integral part of my day.
Please bless me and help me spend my time on this earth telling others of Your love.
In Jesus’ precious Name, I pray. Amen.