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Day by Day - Apr. 2, 2009
April 2, 2009
Making the Most of Your Time
by Charles R. Swindoll
I read about a physician recently who got concerned that his work was becoming far too sedentary as he was getting older. He was gaining weight and feeling increasingly more sluggish. Realizing that his schedule didn't permit a lot of extra hours to spend at the local fitness club every day, he decided to change a few bad habits on his own.
He stopped taking the elevator when he needed to go only three or four floors up; he started using the stairs. And when he parked at the hospital, he'd park a fairly long distance away. The same at the mall when he would do some shopping. He deliberately chose a parking space quite some distance from the store, so he could get in a few extra yards of fast-walking exercise. And instead of eating a long and large lunch, he'd bring a couple pieces of fruit and a healthy snack to keep him from feeling hungry. At home, whenever he chose to watch a favorite television show or some sporting event, he'd do so while working up a light sweat on the treadmill. Nothing complicated or super-expensive, just practical things that kept him active.
It worked! He now maintains his proper weight by those and several other disciplines he privately carries out on a regular basis. What a wise, reasonable plan he put into motion all on his own!
There's good advice along these lines found in one of Paul's letters: "Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time" (Ephesians 5:15-16).
To carry out that good advice, how about doing an appraisal of your personal schedule, giving some thought to a wiser use of your time? Anything you ought to start doing that would break the passivity mold? Or anything you might consider stopping, because it's blocking your need to become more active? Why not take a few cues from the man I mentioned who found practical ways to get back in shape? I've found that keeping a chart of my progress in my daily calendar is a real help.
What kind of activity is the best kind? The one you will actually do. Whichever works best for you, as the Nike ad reminds us, "Just do it."
Reprinted by permission. Day by Day, Charles Swindoll, July 2005, Thomas Nelson, inc., Nashville, Tennessee. All rights reserved. Purchase "Day by Day" here.
