Near the end of our time on this earth, if we have the opportunity to reflect on our lives and how they were spent, we will all have regrets. We will wish we had done some things that were left undone. We will wish we had left undone some things that were done. It is the nature of human existence.
But here’s a few things we won’t wish:
- “I wish I had spent more time on Facebook.”
- “I wish I had spent more time watching television.”
- “I wish I had spent more time playing with my smartphone.”
- “I wish I had spent more time on the road.”
- “I wish I had spent more time in the office.”
- “I wish I had spent more time on the driving range.”
I have yet to meet the man or woman near the end of their earthly pilgrimage who lamented, “I wish I had enjoyed more me-time.” On the other hand, I’ve talked with so many men and women who lamented, “I wish I had enjoyed more time with my loved ones. I wish I had spent more time with my kids. It all went by so quickly.”
If you’re a father or mother with children still at home, could I encourage you to deliberately slow down and enjoy your children this weekend? Why not decide right now to be fully present in the life of your children this weekend? Why not plan to have that elusive time of family devotion, singing, playing and laughing together this weekend? Dads, why not take the lead for the good of your family this weekend? It will cost very little, if anything, to give the gift of quality time to your family this weekend. Make the most of it! Because once this weekend is gone, it’s gone forever.
There is not a one of us who will make perfect use of our God-granted time. Our heavenly Father does, however, expect us to learn from our mistakes, discover his will, walk carefully in the light of that will, and consistently aim to make the wisest use of our time.
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (Ephesians 5:15-17).