Never Too Late to Start

What are your plans this summer? Summers can be filled with a lot of fun, laughter, and rest. Family and friends gather while others go on vacation. Everyone is faced with their everyday responsibilities. Your summer may be eventful or uneventful. Your summer plans may look exactly how you want them to, or they may look nothing like it at all. As for me, my summer plans do and do not look the way I wish they could. If I were, to be honest I have and have not planned out my summer effectively. I remember being a young teenager in high school and finding myself realizing I could have enjoyed my summer more if I had utilized the time I had better. I remember how my lack of planning things I enjoyed resulted in my summer being more uneventful than it should have been. I also remember moments of not balancing having fun with being productive. My lack of prioritizing summer schoolwork and other daily responsibilities came back to haunt me as I realized I was entering another school year unprepared. Many of us want a summer that is restful, enjoyable, as well as productive. Well along with me, I encourage you to start your summer off right by putting your priorities in place.
 

What Can You Do About It?

One very important thing we can do is stop complaining about what we cannot control and begin taking action on what we can control. Since the beginning of time in Genesis God clearly states that He has given mankind the authority of stewardship over creation. This means that every one of us is a steward. Stewardship can be defined as obligation and duty given to effectively and responsibly manage something entrusted to you. I know that there are things, responsibilities, and relationships I am required to steward the way God has called me to everyday. Therefore, I need to obediently choose to handle them the way God has called me to. In Matthew 25:14-27, there is a familiar passage about The Parable of The Talents. When you have the chance to read this passage you will recognize that the master honored the two individuals who were responsible for the time and talents He gave them. On the other hand, the master was displeased with the individual who chose not to be responsible.

There are consequences for how we use our time. This summer you may be in a situation where you are blessed to have the means to do exactly what you want to do. Or you may be in a situation where due to finances or other reasons you are not able to enjoy the things that you wish you could do. Deuteronomy 8:10-18 reminds us to never get distracted by materialistic things and always remember everything we have comes from God. Ecclesiastes 1:8-10 is also excellent for reminding us that we are not alone in the mundane seasons of our lives. So, the key question is what is essential to get you started?
 

Let’s Start

First, before setting goals for this summer it is vital that we eliminate and take captive every thought and bad habit that is keeping us from prioritizing what it is that God wants us to. If one of those doubts in your head is that there is no way that God can help you take back time, then you are very wrong. Ephesians 5:15-16 says, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16, NIV) Never forget that when one door closes another opens because God has a better plan for you. Let God’s will for you drive your plans this summer and set your goals according to God’s view of accomplishment. Reevaluate your behavior, refocus and celebrate your wins. God wants to fill your summer with joy, peace, and satisfaction so cling to Him and carve out time that will allow you to experience this. My prayer is that you read the passages of scripture in this blog and join in on applying the tips I provide for you, as you plan effectively for this summer.

Suggested source: “Taking Back Time: Biblical Strategies for Overcoming Procrastination” by Phil Moser