Time, a Non-Renewable Commodity

Time is like money. It needs to be wisely spent. Just as money can be spent foolishly on junk activities or squandered on the purchase of junk baubles, so can time be wasted in the same ways.

At birth we are given a certain allotment of time. We can't be sure how much. It behooves us to make wise use of the time we have. There may not be any sure way to determine what is wise and what is not; everyone must make those decisions for himself or herself.

To some, spending time with a situation comedy that uses a laugh track, may be considered foolishness. To others, who feel that laughter is good for the soul, even one laugh from a program of this sort can be considered a good expenditure. To some, lying in the sun for an hour may be considered a waste of time; to others, it may be considered healthful and, therefore, a good use.

It may be useful to determine what you are not doing with your measure of time. Are you using time to learn something that will benefit you in the future; for example, the use of simple arithmetic, or the proper exercise of grammar? Are you using it to converse with those who can bring new ideas into your life? Are you using it to broaden your mind by delving into the great literary works of the masters? These are example questions. You may have different ones. The answers to questions like these are important, yes; the questions you ask are even more so.

Are you putting off something that you should be doing? Do you have great ideas in the back of your mind that are not being attended to? Are you yearning to learn a language? Are you planning to write a book? What is keeping you from doing these things? These great accomplishments will never happen unless you begin. Resolve to begin!

Make an effort to decide how you really want to invest the time you receive every day. If you fully realize that you are engaging in some activities that are clearly foolish ones, cast them out in the same way you would discard an old pair of shoes. Replace them with endeavors that will enrich your mind or your spirit. Learn something. Accomplish something. Inspire someone. Assist someone.

I can give you examples of what I think are junk activities. These include visiting a casino and pushing the handle of a slot machine all day. Also, sitting at a computer and playing computer games hour after hour. There are more. What do you think? Do you agree with my list?

If you don't, that's OK. Make your own list. What is important is that you decide for yourself what is worthwhile doing and what is nonsense. Then engage in those activities that represent wise expenditures of time. Keep in mind that time is a non-renewable commodity. Wasted or wisely spent, it is gone forever. Resist wasting it; endeavor to spend it wisely.