Give and Take

One of the comments I hear a lot when people see something I have sewn for my girls is, "I wish I had time to sew!" I always have to chuckle a little when I hear that because it reminds me of a conversation David and I had when we were in college.

I was bemoaning the fact that I "didn't have time" to exercise. He argued that I DID have time-- 24 hours a day in fact-- that I could choose to exercise if it was really important to me. I argued back that with a full load at school and a demanding calling at church there was NO time for me to exercise. But with persistance and persuasion he eventually helped me to see his point. The fact that I didn't exercise had far less to do with time and far more to do with what was really important to me. At that point in my life doing well in school was very important. So, I chose to spend my time attending classes, studying, and completing school assignments. I could have chosen to spend less time studying in order to exercise. But that wasn't my priority at the time.

As I've gained experience in applying this principle I have realized another truth: I do not have time to do everything at once. When I choose to sew, I choose NOT to clean. When I spend a lot of time working in my yard, I choose to not spend a lot of time doing my hair or putting on make-up. In every choice we make there is going to be some give and take. And ultimately the question of time becomes a question of priority. What is most important to me right now?

I have choices. And I've found that I have the most joy when I'm able to take ownership of those choices. When I have a new baby, my time is pretty much eaten up with taking care of our newborn. I could choose to ignore the baby and do other things. But taking care of the baby is what's most important to me and so it's where I spend my time.

There is more to do than can ever be done. We'll never be able to do it ALL at once. But we can choose what's most important. And we can give and take.