Most of us are busy. We have careers. We have families. We serve in our churches. We spend time with our friends. And probably do a lot of other serious and important things.
If we try to get eight hours of sleep, we are only left with sixteen hours to prioritize each day. Some of the decisions are made for us. If we agreed to a contract at the office, we are probably scheduled for at least eight hours there. Meals are also required.
Some are probably thinking of other non-negotiable responsibilities in life. These are things we signed up for and can’t skip.
How much time is left? Everyone can do their own calculations.
I usually get to work at 7:30 am and come home around 6:30 pm. After eating dinner, I have three hours and thirty minutes of “free time” before bed. Much of that is spent talking or doing things with my wife and children, another portion is spent staring at a glowing rectangle.
Sunday is a church day for us. We worship God and fellowship with church family in the morning and in the evening that day. Our own family eats an afternoon meal together too. Usually I take a nap, sometimes we do an activity together. I try not to spend much (if any) time on work.
Saturday is our primary dilemma. It is our only real day off. Sometimes I have programs and podcasts to finish, but I usually spend less than three hours in the studio. If I don’t sleep in, I have a whopping 13 hours available!
I called Saturday a dilemma. It is. I find myself struggling to use these open hours wisely. The family always spends time together this day, but screen time – that’s goofing around, not being productive – is almost always included too.
Probably like yours, my schedule looks pretty busy. But as I just outlined, significant blocks of time are still available. I know I didn’t mention Wednesday evening prayer meeting, deacons meeting, or having friends over for dinner. I certainly didn’t factor in the dentist, doctor, haircuts, auto maintenance, or grocery shopping.
It would be easy for me to pretend these things (and any others I forgot) fill in all the gaps. They don’t. Schedules are about priorities and choices. My priorities aren’t always in order and my choices aren’t always good. I am keenly aware of this fact, and I know those hours are lost.
Sometimes I’m asked to take on new responsibilities; to use my free time helping other people. Some of those opportunities don’t sound all that appealing. I might say yes and I might say no, but I won’t say I don’t have time.