There are so many people out there that I want to tell to quit wasting my time. One of the most annoying things is when someone else's bad decisions bleed into your life. When you are in a good mood and want to spread your joy around, it seems like others are bound and determined to bring you down. It is hard being a Christian all of the time. Not every day is peachy, and sometimes you just get tired of being sick and tired. Probably one of the hardest things for me is when other people like to waste my time. Whether it be at work, driving my car or standing in line at a store. If you are wasting my time, stop it.
Recently one of my big frustrations has centered around taking a barn down. On my acreage, I have an old barn that I want to be removed. There is lots of quality old lumber, and I am sure that someone would love to have it. I have been trying to give this thing away for free for months now. I have lined up countless people to take the barn down. They all have one thing in common; they don't show up. I have contacted the Amish, Mennonite, contractors, salvage companies and they all do the same thing, they waste my time. I have spent countless hours returning phone calls, emails and showing the barn only to be left high and dry.
If I could say one thing to everyone stringing me along on this project, it would be “quit wasting my time.” Having the door closed on my face so many times on this project, I have to wonder what God has planned? I know that doors close for a reason. Many of the reasons we cannot see at the time. But when you put your faith in Jesus, he will clear a path for you. One of the biggest things that I have learned over the years is to have patience. Sometimes patience is learned through trials.
Quit wasting my time.
When I say quit wasting my time, I am not looking to insult anyone. I just realize that my time is limited and I would rather use my time to do other things. Sometimes I have to realize that the lessons that I learn from the wasted time are just as valuable as the time lost. Blessings sometimes come wrapped in disappointment, frustration, and annoyances.
Ephesians 5:16-17 NASB 16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Part of understanding wasted time is learning to trust what the Lord has in store for your life. Finding purpose in the little things in life will transform your character. Next time I tell someone to quit wasting my time, hopefully, I will be reminded that the situation is all part of God's plan.