Time Out

Time is often viewed as an enemy, a ticking clock stealing away our precious hours of life, but sometimes allowing a little sand to fall through the hour glass is a good thing, especially when it comes to decision-making.

We’ve all heard of buyer’s remorse, when you purchase an item too quickly without taking time to figure out if you really needed that electric dog walker. But greater disappointments come when we act upon important life situations without the benefit of time.

A harsh word spoken in the heat of anger could have been avoided by taking time to construct a helpful response. Disciplining a misbehaving child may be given constructively after reasonable time of reflection. Even though most jobs require quick action, thinking through consequences will actually save your company time and money in the long run. There are many situations in our lives that could benefit from a little time.

So next time, when you find yourself in the middle of a difficult decision, or emotions are running high, stop and take the moments necessary to plan a proper response, it might just prevent you from robbing your future.

In James 1:19 we read: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

1. Can you think of some past instance in your life that would have benefited from time and reflection?
2. What decision are you facing right now?

PT/lt