Be Where Your Feet Are

The Key to Maximizing Your Time and Living a More Fulfilling Life

Time is a beautiful thing, and it’s something we all have. Bailee has been talking about choices here on the blog lately. This concept ties into what I want to talk about today as well. Although each of us have the gift of time, we also each have a choice regarding how we spend our time. We didn’t choose to come into this world, and we didn’t get to choose the circumstances we were born into. However, we do get to choose how we live our life and how we spend each day that the Lord has gives us. The Bible says there is a time for everything. A time to laugh, mourn, dance, sing, plant, harvest, cry, grieve, etc. But how do we know when to do these things? How do we know what the right choice is?

I’m faced with this question often. It’s a little easier to know how to spend your time when you're in school, when you have kids, when you’re married, when you have a job, etc. But what about when you don’t have those things? The reality is that all or some of these could be stripped from you at any moment. This is why it’s so important for you to find your identity in Christ. Then, everything else in life is simply a gift, not a lifeline.

If I’m being vulnerable, I dreaded summers from about the seventh grade to sophomore year of high school. They were typically marked by anxiety and worry. Over high school summers I would worry about the upcoming school year, FFA contests, getting scholarships, etc. Now my worries look a little different, but they still point to the same concept of “being enough”.

How you spend your time really shows what you value. There will always be pockets of life where you feel a little lost- like you are free falling through life and reaching for something to save you and give you purpose. This isn’t a totally bad thing. Moments like these present you with the opportunity to cultivate your God-given talents. You may have heard the phrase, “Talent is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God.” Reading this quote may not bring much comfort to you though, as you might not feel “talented” at anything. But what if I told you talent isn’t always something physical. Sometimes it’s spiritual, also known as a spiritual gift. Romans 12:6-8 says,

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”

I haven’t done extensive research on spiritual gifts, but I do know that God created each of us uniquely, and we each display a different side of His majesty. I am a big believer in giving practical tips for living out Scripture, so here are some ways you can put your spiritual gifts and/or God-given talents to use in your everyday life- no matter what season you’re in.

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If you’re reading this, that means you’re old enough to read, which means you’ve probably lived at least a decade of life. Within the years you’ve been on earth, you’ve probably established a daily/monthly/yearly rhythm or routine for yourself. This is a great starting point. I believe the key to experiencing deeper fulfillment in life is not necessarily changing anything, but enhancing where you already have. The best place to start, in my opinion, is to ask yourself what are the roles and responsibilities that God has already given you? How can you steward those well? Are you a daughter, friend, sister, parent, cousin, employee, volunteer, etc.? Chances are, you are one of those things. Have you sought the Lord in each of these areas? Have you prayed for the people above and below you within these positions? God is the God of the unseen, and if you’re a believer in Christ, you have the ability to see each role and opportunity in life through a spiritual lens.

Now that you’ve taken a look at your outside circumstances, take a look within. How is your mind? How are your habits? How is your sleep? How are the words you speak to yourself and others? Do you find yourself dwelling more in peace or in fear? What do you like to do for fun? Are you finding joy in everyday life? Do you wake up with a sense of excitement or dread? These things are so important to your ability to serve God and serve others. I hope you’ll take time to journal about these questions in light of the fact that nothing outside of your identity in Christ defines you- not your past, not your present, not your fears, not your anxieties, not your failures, and not your successes. Your identity is in Christ alone. What does that mean? That means you're free to hold tight to God and His word through the crazy tribulations life may through at you on your way to heaven. This is easier said than done, but the beauty of the life is that it continually points you back to your need for the Savior, Jesus Christ.

I pray we will all be able to navigate our difficult moments with grace and poise. Life isn’t easy, but it’s a lot harder when you’re wishing you were anywhere else but where God currently has you. Do yourself and others a favor, and soak up the blessings of now. Rest in His promises, and trust in His greater plan. Let me know if you have any specific prayer requests!!

Love,

Breanna Chavez