Food for Thought: Time Management

Parkinson's Law reminds us that, "Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion." This means that we need to be very intentional about the use of our time or we will consume all available time accomplishing very little. Why People Fail, Siimon Reynolds, 2012

One year, when I taught art at a middle school. The administration decided to try a new schedule in which the hands-on classes like Home Ec., Industrial Tech. and Art would have classes that lasted an hour and a half instead of the traditional 45 minutes. The idea was that the kinds of projects we would have students involved in would have more time to complete rather than having to stop and clean up after only a few minutes. It was a good theory, but it turned out to be a perfect example of Parkinson’s Law. The same projects I had taught previously in 45 minutes actually did take twice as long and were no more complete in the expanded time frame. I was as surprised as anyone, but no matter what I tried, it remained the same for the whole term.

I know that ever since I retired, unless I have a fixed “to-do list” and am determined to complete it in a certain time period, each job does expand to fit the time I give it. I feel busier than ever, even though I have far less that I actually have to accomplish.

When we start to think that we don’t have time to pray, or time to volunteer, or reach out to others, we need to stop and think about what we really want to accomplish and what is most important. The truth is that we can “find” the time for whatever we put our minds to. “A person plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

Yes, maybe some things we think must be done will have to wait, but if we put God first, we really can do the things we know He is directing us to do. We simply need to be intentional and prayerful in our planning.

“Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21.