Using Our Time Wisely

So, it’s been a while since I’ve posted. Sorry – this was not my intent.  As I mentioned in a prior blog, my wife and I spent a great deal of time over the summer in Ohio with a lifelong friend who is now in hospice care.  We’ve felt fortunate to be able to do this.  I’ve taken a great deal less work this year, which is usually hard for me to do.  But when faced with major life events, it’s amazing how quickly the order of items on our “to-do” list shifts.

My current realization?  Time is a gift, but it is finite – and we never know how much of it we will have.  Of course, I know this theory, but it has failed to have a strong enough impact on my actions.  Over the years I got so caught up in my never-ending work routine, that I often failed to prioritize people over tasks.  And I’ve done this in many roles – as a husband, parent, and friend.

Work is a reality.  And for most, our work dictates our ongoing schedule.  However, when we are not at work, we have some choice about both the number and quality of our interactions with others.  When students are doing their schoolwork, I often ask, “Are you using your time wisely?”.  To the extent possible, moving forward I want to do a better job of setting some boundaries and practicing what I preach by asking myself this same time-sensitive question.