If you were to ask my 84 year old father what wasted time looked like, he would likely say that watching TV is the biggest culprit of wasted time. When he was younger he worked hard all day in the construction business and then came home and relaxed by working in the garden or workshop - creativity came easy to him and his hands produced what his mind envisioned. I have no recollection of him just sitting around twiddling his thumbs - he was always doing something. Even today when his body doesn't allow him to be overly active, he spends his time tending his flowers and shrubs or deciphering word puzzles. 

When I closely examine how I spend my days, which can be painful, I often realize that my time could be much more productive. I could be working on strengthening my leadership skills, developing ministry strategies for the coming months or reflectively studying scripture. Instead I find myself wasting time watching reruns of my favorite shows (I'm a West Wing junkie) or having long conversations about things that don't really matter like the latest NHL playoff series or a Nascar race.

So now I'm honestly asking myself "was my time well spent today?" Did I have a meaningful devotional time with God? Did I accomplish what I set out to do? What needs my immediate attention and what can wait? Am I spending too much time on social media and not enough time on family relationships?

Everyone will likely have their own questions  and issues to wrestle with - the point for me is this "will I wrestle with the tough questions and then act or just ponder and do another Google search?" This week I have decided to set measurable and attainable goals. I'm finishing a book by Kary Oberbrunner entitled The Fine Line, I'm keeping up on my bible reading plan through YouVersion, and meditating on a message that I'll be preaching from Mark 9 - time well spent!

How have you spent your time this week? Do you need to make adjustments?