The Hour Glass

In the world we live in, everything happens faster and quicker than in any point in history. At any time of the day, we can order something online and can get it the next day or sometimes even the same day. We can order food on our phones and get it delivered directly to our front door in less than 15 minutes. We can call or FaceTime anyone from around the world and connect instantly. Yet for some reason, most of us still feel like we don’t have enough time in the day. It can feel like our time is just sand slipping through an hour glass.

This ancient time-keeping tool serves as a powerful reminder of the finite nature of our earthly existence. Each grain of sand represents a moment of time in our lives that we will never get back. So rather than trying to stop time from moving, there is a story in the Bible that explains the importance of how we should prioritize our time.

In Luke chapter 10, we find the story of Mary and Martha. As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, they came to a village where a woman named Martha opened up her home to them. While Martha was distracting herself with many preparations of the house, Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet, absorbing His teachings. When Martha asks Jesus to tell Mary to help her with all of the household chores, He gently rebukes her, saying:

“Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)

This story highlights the importance of prioritizing quality time in the presence of Jesus over the daily distractions and demands of life. It is also important to note that Jesus did not blame Martha for being concerned with the household chores. He was simply asking her to build her priorities around time with Him.

I know for me, I feel like I constantly need to be creating or writing or improving something around me. (Ennegram 1’s where are you at?) I feel like there can be so much to do and it all falls on me to do it. I wake up and think of a million things I have to do at work or at home and skip right over my quiet time with God. But then I am left feeling spiritually empty the entire day and worrying about things that God never even called me to do.

Today, pray the prayer of Moses in Psalm 90:12, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” So how do we do this? I put together a list for how we can get better at prioritizing our time around our connection with Jesus.

1. Practice daily devotion in the morning. Read scripture and mediate on in so that it sinks into your spirit throughout the day.
2. Reflect on your tasks and commitments. Do they line up with your spiritual or personal goals? If not, make adjustments as needed.
3. Serve others. Create space in your life for serving others without expecting anything in return.
4. Honor the Sabbath. Set aside one day a week where you simply enjoy your life that God created. Go outside. Laugh. Spend time with those that are closest to you such as family and friends. Prioritize relaxing and resting your mind regularly.

The Bigger Picture: Just as the sand in an hourglass flows continuously, so do the many demands of life. Yet Jesus teaches us to prioritize what is really important; spending quality time in the stillness of God’s presence.