By: Lyndsay Crews
During the holiday season, my schedule always seemed more overwhelming than usual. By some Christmas miracle, I managed to squirrel away a few minutes for myself at the gym. I changed out of my yoga pants and into running shorts (that’s when you know it’s getting serious) and then checked my children into childcare. Yes! Some much needed me time! I was about halfway through my work out when I saw someone I knew…kind of. I randomly met her once a while ago. I knew she didn’t see me and that was my chance to avoid her because I honestly just wanted “to get a good work out in” instead of investing in something or someone else. But instead, I made eye contact and waited as she walked towards me. The conversation took up my entire allotted me time, but it was worth it.
So how do we balance the need for ‘me time’ with the command to invest in others? We know that ‘me time’ is a good thing and how we recharge. But we also know “it’s not about us.” Some red flags we’re out of balance:
- We preplan a ‘me time’ slot, but are unwilling or irritated to stray from our plan for God’s plan because we don’t want to be interrupted.
- We don’t get enough ‘me time’ and feel too drained by our over committed lives to invest in someone else.
- We’re avoiding a relationship in honor of ‘me time.’
“Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.”
– Colossians 4:5
It’s encouraging to think that God trusts us to be His ambassadors to other people. God said to make the most of every opportunity, but if we find ourselves avoiding people because our schedule is too full, it’s time to reassess and reprioritize our commitments. Pray and ask God what He means by make the most of every opportunity and ask for discernment.