Your Time!

In the Book of Nehemiah, Nehemiah was building a wall and others tried to distract him from completing the important work by trying to engage him in petty conversations. He finally said, “Why should I come down and talk to you?” It may seem a little point blank, but as we mature, we learn to be more succinct in our dealings with others.  

In essence, he was saying, “I’m about my Father’s business.” Or it could be said that he was ‘on a mission.‘ As we age, we learn to guard our moments and our time. We have heard the sayings such as “time is precious; time is money; or time waits for no man.” The sayings are countless but they all add up to saying that time is our lives slowly dripping through that hourglass.

We are more able to be more like Nehemiah and cut to the chase. We do not let unappreciative people take up our time and waste our substance. We carefully weigh our options and decide who or what is worthy of our precious moments here on earth. We understand that time is always ticking and we become more adamant and firm by learning to simply say, “No to the frivolous.” Say:  Nope. Nada. I don’t think so. Not this time. (Or whatever comes to mind)

Babbie Mason, a gospel songwriter, wrote and sang Stay Up On The Wall. She said
“Don’t come down.
There is too much work to do.
No time to turn around.” 

Follow her instructions and stop playing the being nice game when others try to take up your time with things that serve them, but not you. When asked to participate or take part in some activity ask yourself the following questions: “Will it benefit me? Will I be appreciated for giving up my time? How will it serve me?”  It may sound selfish but actually it is a way of showing self-love. Remember, the first law of nature is self-preservation.

So, if it is worth your time, then do it. If you are doing it with resentment hidden deep down inside, then it might be  time to simply say, “No.” They will get over it. Or not. But you will feel so much freer for having saved so many more moments of your sainted life for you. So there!

Lynn M.
May 3, 2025