I have always been a hard worker. I had part-time jobs in both high school and college. When I went back to Bible school, several years later, I also had a business and a family. I continued to operate the business for several years while as a Pastor, for part of that time, I also produced a Bible based, daily radio program.

I wouldn’t necessarily recommend what I have done. It hasn’t been easy and when biting off that kind of responsibility you must have help and a lot of discipline. I had both. But to be honest; if not for the call of God to do what I was doing I don’t think I would have or even could have kept it all under control. I keep just as busy these days but, praise the Most High, it’s not as stressful because I am more focused.

But as the title of this commentary reads; the point of this is article is “Time Management”. If your desire is to live a sustainable lifestyle you must embrace and fully accept the approach of making every minute, of every day, count.

Obviously you can’t operate at mach 10, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. But if you really want to succeed at a sustainable lifestyle you must be purposeful in everything you do, just like I was then (and still am); even if your purposely doing nothing. You must consider your sustainable life style as your “business”.

I must admit; this isn’t just my idea. My favorite mentor lived by the same philosophy. As a matter of fact He has kept me motivated many times when I wanted to slack off.

(Be) not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rom 12:11

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, He (Yeshua) went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. Mark 1:35

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Cor 10:31

Time is a non-renewable resource. Once spent, it’s gone forever. By practicing time-saving methods you save time and time is money. Here are some time-saving ideas. Adopt the ones that might help you. But far more importantly; remember that you are a merely a steward, a manager of Yahweh God’s resources; It all belongs to Him. It’s His business. He is the boss and you are His employee / servant.

Use these ideas as a springboard to consider more ways that you can be more productive and thus a better steward of God’s resources, that He is allowing you to utilize, to accomplish His plans and purposes. This will help you on the way to living a sustainable lifestyle.

• Make a “To do” list every day. Number them in the priority that they need to be accomplished and don’t allow yourself to be distracted. Stay on task. Remaining items on the list are carried over to the following day.
• Save all errands for one day week (or month if you have few). Write down each errand and where it is located. Then number them so that you visit them, if possible, in order of their distance from home, starting with the closest. If it’s possible to arrange them in a loop, all the better. (Saves gas money too!)
• Never handle a piece of paper more than once. When the mail comes, open and handle each piece until filed or thrown away.
• A place for everything and everything in it’s place. Don’t allow yourself to become cluttered and disorganized.
• Keep an ongoing shopping list. When a family member uses the last of the butter, or opens the last bottle of peanut butter, they must be responsible for writing it down on the list. Print out a list of items you usually buy (print several copies at once), then circle the needed item on the list that’s on the refrigerator door. Or just post a blank sheet and write items down when needed.
• Plan menus for the entire week – makes grocery shopping faster. (See shopping list above.)
• Evenings are usually down time; use them plan to and prepare for the next day so you can be more productive in the mornings by starting the day off right. Pack lunches, set backpacks by the front door, lay out clothes, etc.
• Create a method, that works well for you, to keep track of appointments, school assignments, events, important meetings, or special work events.
• Finish what you start. Nothing nags you more than unfinished projects. Stick with them until they’re done.
• Try to buy in bulk so that you don’t have to make so many trips to the store; saves travel time and usually reduces the initial purchase price.
• If you do need a small item from a store try to wait until your going that way for something else in order to avoid wasted travel time.
• Manufacturing uses the term “economy of motion”. This means move as little as possible to accomplish as much as possible. Consider this when working in your home business, house work, chores, or farm. Make every step count.
• Remember; seconds turn in to minutes, minutes turn into to days, days turn into weeks, weeks turn into months and months turn into years.
  
  

I’ll see you out in the field,
Parson Rayphe