Too Busy

Thanks for reading DAY 19 of the Run & Not Grow Weary blog series.
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Time

It is our most valuable resource. It is the most precious gift we can give. Wasting it will be our biggest regret when we die. Time is also the number one reason (or excuse) we give when we don’t do something we know we ought to do.

Our days are numbered but on a daily basis we don’t remember that. It’s difficult to get out of the daily details and think on an eternal timeline. The 2 big time related things I struggle with in my faith are these:

1) Planning time to listen. Prayer includes being still and listening, not just talking at God. It is so freaking hard to get to a quiet place and say “God…what do you want to say to me today?” and then sit and listen. Yet I know I need this time because God does speak and because Christ modeled this for us (Luke 5:16, Matthew 14:23, Mark 1:35, Luke 6:12).

2) Making time to give. I’m a master at filling up my schedule yet God calls us to be ready to help and serve…often when it’s not really “convenient”. Which is why I both love and cringe at the Veggie Tale’s version of the Good Samaritan story.

I’m always going to be busy or at least feel like I am. Which is why I have to accept that I am responsible for the time God has given me. If I am too busy to pray or read my Bible, that means I have chosen to say yes to my to-do list and say no to God. Time can only run away from me if I let it.

Slowing Down Time

In an attempt to be intentional about how I use my time, I’m convinced that taking the time to run really, truly helps. At first, it feels like I’m tacking on yet another chore, but in reality, even a quick 20 minute jog helps me find more time in my day.

Why? Because running slows down time. Or rather, running slows ME down, bringing me back into the present with each breath and footfall. If I started the day feeling like 1 hour passed in 10 minutes…the run reverses that, making 1 minute feel like 10.

In the post-run mindset, time doesn’t run away anymore. Suddenly taking 10 minutes to pray is no trouble at all. I’m better able to focus and calmly crush my to-do list with less anxiety. While running helps me be present, it also gets me away from the daily details, to recognize God’s opportunities, and be able to make time when I need too.