January 30

I suppose that I have taken enough "time management" workshops in my lifetime to add years to my life. Most of the concepts covered during these seminars are good, common sense reminders. One of my favorite examples is distinguishing the difference between the urgent and the important. Here is the bottom line. When you measure and rank your activities for a time period, according to their perceived importance, it can be difficult, but not impossible. Some things are obviously more important than others. Then suddenly, something happens in your life that is so urgent that the important is not so important any more. The urgent will always be first. I believe that God often uses the urgent.

Over the past days you may have had dozens of things to do, each of them important. Then fell several inches of snow. (The prognosticators were finally right) With the snow came treacherous traveling conditions. With very little self debate your safety became more important than your assignment. The urgent overcame the important.

Some of us are able to work from home. We have the opportunity to use the tech stuff without going to the office or warehouse or wherever. Others don't have that type of vocation. Either way, consider this. Take a moment to look outside at the beautiful white terrain. Everything looks clean and pure. God could be reminding us to take a minute and enjoy His creation. You may not think that it is urgent for you to do so, but it very well may be.