I don't know about you, but I sincerely want to live well. So, becoming a healthier version of myself, most days, is at the forefront of my mind. I can't seem to shake the reality that my appointed time here on earth is short. Therefore, I aim to live out fully what my Creator envisioned for me when He first thought of me.
Monday morning, I woke up at 5:22 am and left my house at 5:28 to take my son to football practice. I planned to drop him off, come home, pray, read my Bible, and exercise, all by 7:45. Well, I accomplished my plan, except I didn't finish until 8:10. When I planned my morning out the evening prior, I didn't factor in how exhausted I’d be when I’d woke up, neither did I consider the possibility that Cody, my 6-month-old puppy, would vomit in his kennel, requiring me to clean and tend to him. Nonetheless, I got it all done.
But, you know something, I struggled horribly through my prayer/Bible study and exercise routine because I was TIRED. As I prayed, read, and worked out, I resolved that my sleep hygiene must improve if I want to go through my morning routine well. This has to be the most important practice of my day, because it sets the rhythm for the remainder of my day.
When my sleeping habits are good, I'm able to get up at 4:30 am, have prayer and devotion for an hour and half minimum, exercise with vigor, and go about my day. This past month, I've been going to bed late, not eating well, and not consistently exercising. As a result, my stamina decreased in the areas most important to me. This all reminds me of the Bible parable of the talents. A ruler traveled to a far country and entrusted his goods to his servants while he was gone. He gave one five talents, another two, the last he gave one talent. While he was away, two of the servants invested what their master gave them and doubled their return. The third servant did nothing with his talent and hid it. Consequently, when his master returned, the talent was taken away, and he was punished. In contrast, the other servants were rewarded and entrusted with more.
I believe, like the unproductive servant, when we don't use our time, gifts, and opportunities, we eventually lose them. As the old adage says, “if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it” or “when you snooze, you lose.” Much like what happens to muscles that lack physical activity, they weaken and shrink; just like I lacked the stamina to gracefully complete my morning routine. The careless use of time and unutilized talents will leave us with a life unfulfilled and void of good rewards. Often, potential is wasted, and relationships suffer. I’ve challenged myself to live intentionally with my time, body, emotions, and talents so that I may reap the benefits of a life well lived. I solicit you to join me and do whatever it takes to be the best version of yourself. And don’t be afraid to ask for help if you find yourself struggling in the process!
So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
Matthew 25:28-29 ESV