Isn’t it ironic that with all of our time-saving devices we are still in a hurry?  Don’t get me wrong, I like our microwave, electronic-banking, do-everything-on-the-cell-phone, pay-at-the-pump society. I appreciate convenience for convenience’s sake, but I wonder what we lose in the process of so much progress?  We certainly are not gaining any extra time. Everyone I know seems to be in a rush in spite of using modern, time-saving devices.  We go from one stop to the next without blinking an eye. We hurriedly check items off the proverbial list just so we can get to the next thing.  Our schedules are full, our responsibilities are many, and our stress level is elevated.  No wonder the energy-drink market has such record-breaking sales.  We are all looking for more stamina and strength to maintain our slammed-packed schedules.

What are we to do when we feel RUSHED?

R- Resist the urge to do everything.

You are only one person and you cannot do it all.  If you juggle too many things, make some cuts.  We should learn to say the word “no” from time to time.  As Dr. Richard Swenson contends in his book Margin, “No is a complete sentence.”  Learn to say it, and mean it.

U- Undertake projects and assignments that glorify God.

Abide within your calling and vocation; and whatever you do, do for the glory of God. Ask yourself a question, “Do I do what I do for self-promotion, fame, wealth, and fortune, or do I do what I do to bring honor to God?”

S- Schedule your calendar with eternity in view.

Don’t crowd your datebook with trivial and meaningless events.  Keep your affection on things above, and your body below will appreciate you for it. Learn to live each and every day as though it is the only day to be examined at the Judgment Seat of Christ.  Such a perspective will change your priorities.

H- Hurry up and get some rest.

I certainly do not promote laziness or lethargy, but sometimes you need to step away from the hustle and bustle and get some rest and relaxation-Jesus did. Take an extended weekend with family.  Go to bed an extra hour early.  Turn off electronic devices and unplug from nuances of the day. Don’t put it off.  Tomorrow typically ends up being months or years down the road.

E- Energize your spirit through a devotional life.

Nothing revitalizes the soul like a fresh encounter with God.  Rise early and rise often to meet the Lord.  How can we expect to take on the challenges of the day if we have not first met with the Creator of the day?  Cultivate your devotional life in such a way that you live in the presence of God at all times.

D- Delegate some tasks to others.

Ask others for help, especially if you are in leadership. Utilize your team for the most efficient results.  Plan, plod, and project with due diligence.  Woodrow Wilson said, “We should not only use all the brains we have, but all that we can borrow.” When you try to do the work of three people, you will always feel rushed and fatigued.  Learn to trust others, and allow them to help bear the load.  Oswald Chambers hit the nail on the head, “Our problem is not too little time, but making better use of the time we have.”