Is time your friend or your foe?
Almost every year at the beginning of January, I’m reminded of a book one of my professors, Dr. Benno Przybylski, wrote called Time: Friend or Foe. It causes me to pause, look back, look forward, and then assess the present. Maybe today as you read this, you’ll take a bit of time to do just that. Determine if time is your friend or your foe as you embark on 2026.
Looking back
Start by looking back at 2025. What were the highlights and lowlights for you? Where did you see God at work in your life during this past year? Is there something that happened in 2025 that you can learn from? While it’s not wise to dwell too much on the past, it’s helpful to learn from it, so that we either avoid things we don’t want to repeat or remember those we want to do again.
Looking ahead
Now take a few minutes to look ahead to 2026. It’s just as important not to dwell too much on the future, but to keep your eyes open for how the Lord is directing you in the year ahead. What are you looking forward to in this coming year? Is there something you need to be planning for, so it doesn’t catch you off guard just before it arrives? Luke 9:62 says, “But Jesus told him, ‘Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.’” As we are looking ahead, we can be better prepared for what the Lord has in store for us and stay on mission.
Assessing the present
Finally, be mindful of the present, where each of us is living. Walking closely with the Lord each day is the best way to navigate the present. One vital piece of wisdom is to build margin into your day, week, and month. This is crucial if you are going to have longevity in the ministry. You cannot allow others to own your schedule or calendar; you need to own it. Keeping margin in your life allows you to respond and help others when needs arise. If your schedule is full, you’ll be unavailable to respond when a family member, friend, neighbour, or colleague needs a hand.
Always looking to Jesus
Ephesians 5:16-17 says, “Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.” You need to be wise with your time, so you can be available for what the Lord wants you to do, not what everyone else thinks you should be doing. Building in margin allows you to have consistent time with the Lord, so you can be available to him when he calls you to join him in a mission he has for you.
As we embark on this new year, let’s keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and what he has in store for us as we journey with him through 2026!
Doug Meyers is one of the program directors at the Alberta Kerith Retreats location with his wife, Roxy. For more information about our retreats, visit KerithRetreats.ca.