Duty Calls

10 Propositions About Time

1. Time is a precious commodity. 
2. Time can be neither bought nor sold.
3. Time cannot be reproduced or repeated.
4. Time cannot be duplicated; every moment is unique to itself.
5. Time affects us all.
6. Once time is past, it's gone forever.
7. Worrying about wasting time or the time we've wasted is, in and of itself, a waste of time.
8. We can make the most of our time or least of our time, but we cannot make time.
9. Time passes, despite the presence or lack of activity.
10. There's no time like the present and there's no present like the time.

"See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians 5:15-17, NKJV) 

 

First Things First

"We always have time for the things we put first." 

I don't know who first said or wrote this, but it is very close to perfect.  I would modify it somewhat by exchanging just one word.  My version would read "We always have time for the people we put first."

The lesson is simple for those who answer the call of duty to love those around them.  Think about who you put first in your life.  Who gets the first fruits of your time?  Your wife?  Your kids?  Your boss?  Your self?  This is an important consideration because you can only demonstrate love by investing time and effort.  The concept of quality versus quantity doesn't really hold water.  In my experience, the people I've heard make that argument are using it as a cover story to justify the little time they devote to their families.  It's not a question of quality versus quantity, but rather the combined benefit of both. 

So, let's get real here.  We really do always have time for the people we put first.  Measure your use of time and use that as an honest assessment of who you put first.  If you need to make adjustments, then do it.  Not only will you make those whom you care for happy, but you'll also be a happier guy.

Duty calls on us to spend more time with those for whom we care.