What should I do today?

At the start of the day, some people look at their planner to see what they have to do today. For others, they try to be spontaneous and see how time flows. Either way, there is a huge chance that we might miss out the on most important thing to do in the day, which could result in statements such as "I'm not productive today" or "I've wasted another day". If you have not yet come across these thoughts, good for you! If, however, you have thought these things, it is my prayer that with these impressions I might be able to help you on this aspect.

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." - Ephesians 5:15-16

What I'm about to share are four activities that are already part of your daily routine, to add value and present a perspective that would help you realize that what you are doing is already valuable, and to have more wisdom on managing your time.

"The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof,

    the world and those who dwell therein," - Psalms 24:1

1. Creativity. Some call it leisure time and some call it recreational activities but these terms may lack a sense of value or purpose so I'm gonna call it creativity time. It is a time away from productivity or work but this is the time where you explore and expand the perspective of your mind. Creativity time is very important because it allows you to experience a break from the pressing productivity time or daily routine. It is the time to receive fresh ideas and fresh insights that you might be able to use during productivity hours and social activities. During this time, we read a book, watch a movie, play a game, eat good food – it’s up to you. Creativity time is to enjoy God's creation and be impacted with the wisdom of His creativity. This is something you can do anywhere or at any time because God allowed and created everything after all.

"It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep." - Psalms 127:2

2. Rest or sleep. God designed rest and it is still part of His awesome creativity. He even specifically mentioned the Sabbath. Some health-buff people who observe proper diet and exercise still have medical complications because of they lack the correct amount of sleep. This would result in less energy and the poor performance of the systems in your body. The saying "the mind is willing but the body is weak" still results in weak productivity. You can be at your best when you are doing all other things within the day. Why choose to do it in a grumpy, desperate, and struggling way?

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace" - 1 Peter 4:10

3. Productivity. The Dead Sea has no fish or aquatic plants because it stores up a huge amount of salt and has no outlet. We get to experience God's creation, we store up a lot of experiences – and we have to let it out. Otherwise, we'd end up frustrated or disappointed with ourselves. The life that we live has a greater purpose and it's not just for ourselves but it's something that we have to share with other people. You have that specific calling in your life, or a specific vocation. Each individual is marked with unique experiences of God's creativity which would hint at or determine the specific calling of their lives (although it might take another post to shed some light in finding your vocation). Also, the added bonus of productivity time is that you get paid. 

And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” - Luke 3:11

4. Social Activity. We are all social beings and we are designed that way. We experience God's creativity, do something about it, and we have to share it with other people. We share it with our friends, family, co-workers, church, and customers. Everyone is a living vessel of God's goodness and creativity that is meant to be connected with every being of God's creation. Failing to see that point will end up making you selfish or egocentric – we wouldn't want that!

Summing it up, it all begins with enjoying God's creativity. Everything else is just an outflow. If we fail to experience God's creativity then we might end up being frustrated with how we spent our time or try stealing time from other important things. God's creativity is a source of joy, strength, and wisdom that will indeed make all the burdens light.

With these in mind, may you have greater knowledge in managing your time and have greater enjoyment spending it.