Time Management for Love: Prioritizing, Planning, and Serving Others

As followers of Christ, we are called to love one another. But acts of love don't just happen. They require intentionality, planning, and a mindset of service. In this article, we will explore the importance of managing our time for the mission of love and how it can impact our lives and the lives of those around us.

1. Consider your calling:
God has given each of us unique gifts and talents for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:7). It is important to discern our calling and understand how we can use our abilities to serve others. This calling may change over time, but in each season of life, we have a specific purpose and mission. By recognizing and embracing our calling, we can better prioritize our time and energy towards fulfilling it.

2. Plan with big stones:
In order to effectively manage our time, we must identify the key priorities that align with our calling. These priorities are like big stones that need to be placed first in the jar of our schedule. By prioritizing these important tasks, we can ensure that they are not compromised or abandoned. The smaller tasks, like pebbles, can then fit around the big stones. Planning with big stones helps us stay focused on what truly matters in our lives.

3. Make the most of your mornings:
The morning hours are often the most productive and focused time of the day. Many successful individuals, like the psalmists and Jesus himself, recognized the importance of starting the day right. By dedicating our mornings to seeking God's guidance and tackling our most important tasks, we set the tone for the rest of the day. It is during these early hours that we can invest in our relationship with God and be proactive in our mission of love.

4. Create flexibility for meeting others' needs:
While it is essential to have a plan and prioritize our time, we must also be open to the unplanned needs of others. Love is not just about proactive acts, but also about being responsive to the needs of those around us. By creating flexibility in our schedules, we can be available to lend a helping hand or offer support when unexpected opportunities arise. This requires a mindset of selflessness and a willingness to adjust our plans for the sake of others.

As we consider these principles of managing our time for the mission of love, let us reflect on the words of Jesus, who said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). The greatest joy comes from self-sacrificial love for others, when we pour out our time and energy for their good. By aligning our time with God's purposes and being intentional in our acts of love, we can experience the abundant life that Jesus promises.

In conclusion, acts of love don't just happen. They require deliberate planning and intentional time management. By considering our calling, planning with big stones, making the most of our mornings, and creating flexibility for others' needs, we can become more effective in our mission of love. Let us embrace the challenge to manage our time in a way that honors God and serves those around us. May our lives be a testimony of love and selflessness, bringing glory to God and blessings to others.

References:
- 1 Corinthians 12:7 - "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good."
- Acts 20:35 - "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
- Psalm 5:3 - "In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly."
- Mark 1:35 - "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."