Published On:Thursday, February 04, 2010

BY REV. ANGELA PALACIOUS

ONE of the major areas of controversy is the management of time. In all serious relationships, and especially in marriage, there is a need for the prayerful management of time.

1.TIME FOR GOD: There is so much that needs to be prayed about that if you are too busy to pray then your life is really out of control. The enemy has you in a tail-spin. It is the time spent with God that grounds and prepares us to face whatever the day will bring. Time spent at the end of the day in grateful thanks and contrite confession, brings closure and leads to inner peace.

2. TIME FOR THE SPECIAL LOVED ONE: Much time is spent at work and away from the presence of this special person who is spouse already or on the road towards such commitment. Even if you are not yet engaged but are dating each other exclusively, a concerted effort needs to be made to have meaningful time together. Consider the depth of your discourse and determine whether it is too shallow to sustain a long-term love.

3. TIME FOR OUR CHILDREN: Those of us who have been called by God to be parents are expected to continue in obedience as we train them spiritually. Let it be true that they are indeed blessed to have us as their guides and mentors. Make time to listen to them, share with them our wisdom even as we learn from them also.

4. TIME FOR LEISURE ACTIVITIES: Some of these activities need to be spent together and some may have to be pursued separately. The key is to have enough interests in common that you are able to maintain a high level of camaraderie in each other's company. Too much time spent with others can undermine the foundation of your relationship.

5. TIME FOR SPORTS: It is very important that we pace ourselves as we age but we need to be doing something including cardio and resistance training. Physiotherapists are in a position to assist the whole community with more intentional routines if we are willing to be educated on the subject. As a people we need to know how to prevent injuries from over exertion, misuse of equipment and poor positioning. LetMATTH us look more closely at our approach to aging.

6. TIME FOR MINISTRY: There is always someone who needs our help. We have to make time to love our brothers and sisters in the name of the Lord. There are children, elderly persons, the poor, unemployed and others in our nation and abroad who are desperate for companionship, financial assistance, moral support and spiritual and pastoral care.

We have to tithe our time according to the gift of time that we have been given. Every day is ours only by God's grace. How are you spending the precious commodity called time?