The Secret of Time-Management

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 NKJV

In a story titled "Sixth-Grade Math Teacher Likely to Run World Championships" published Tuesday, the following was reported: Every Sunday afternoon, marathoner Susanna Sullivan plans her schedule for the upcoming week. It’s an exercise in “calendar Tetris,” she said. “I sit down and figure out the how pieces are going to fit together.” Among the squares that have to slide into place are the professional ones: For 40 hours per week, Sullivan teaches pre-algebra to high achieving sixth-graders (104 of them in four classes) at an elementary school in Falls Church, Virginia. She also tutors older students in the evenings for at least 12 hours a week. Then there are the athletic squares: She runs 90 miles per week and cross trains for about 6 hours per week, in the pool and with a Pilates-type class called Solidcore. Add in grading, lesson planning, and a little time for socializing, and, well, there’s not a lot of wiggle room. But somehow it all works. “I do pretty well with this routine that I’m in,” she told Runner’s World…What’s behind the breakthrough? A coach she clicks with and a highly regimented schedule. Her agent, Dan Lilot, told Runner’s World, “I’ve never met anyone as organized and who does more with the time she has.”

And you know, when it comes to time management and being able to get the most out of the time we have, the Bible tells us to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added.” Which means that when we seek God first each and every day—through Bible study, prayer, worship, and meditation—our priorities will align with His will and the Holy Spirit (the greatest Coach of all time) will guide us to act and move in ways that will allow us to achieve all the things we are called to do, without the frustration that comes with feeling overworked. 

So before making your ‘regimented schedule,’ seek Jesus my friend. Each and every day put Him first and you’ll find that you’re not only becoming more like Him but that you’ll have ample time and resources to accomplish those things that need to be done. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that seeking You should always be our highest priority. Help us to understand that our lives will never have balance if we aren’t grounded in You and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our every step. Help us to surrender our schedule to you Lord. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!