Yearning for Time

Kimberly Novak invites you to improve your time-management skills through prayer and discernment. 

There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every matter under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NASB)  

Lately, my prayers often start with the words, "Help me, Lord! I need more time." Ecclesiastes 3 in Scripture reminds us that there is a time for everything, a season for every purpose, and a task for every moment. This concept feels like a huge to-do list, and reading it from beginning to end honestly gives me a bit of anxiety.  

However, we need not worry because God offers us reassurance in verse 22:

I have seen that nothing is better than when a person is happy in his activities, for that is his lot. For who can bring him to see what will occur after him?  

So, how do we transform stress and anxiety into happiness in our daily tasks — routine activities, meal preparations, cleaning, chauffeuring the kids, and enjoying quality time with our spouse?   

First Things First: Put in a Time Request with God  

In a recent conversation regarding my lackluster time management skills lately, my spiritual director suggested that, although she was unsure who the patron saint of time is, since all the saints possess eternal timelessness, I might have the whole lot of them helping me out. Needing all the help I could get, I was not about to argue that point.   

My next step was to take the situation to prayer and have a conversation with God first, followed by seeking the assistance of the saints. There’s a saying that goes, “Be careful what you wish for,” and God’s response to my prayer for more time is clear evidence that you should genuinely want what you are asking Him for!

God Gave Me the Time I Wanted 

I wanted time, and time is what God gave me!  I awoke in the darkness of early hours on a Saturday morning: the one day I can sleep in for a little extra rest. I tried my hardest to fall back to sleep; however, the echoes of Scripture telling me how often Jesus arose early to pray kept my mind awake and ready for action.    

I got out of bed and started my day with morning prayer. The chores were completed before noon, leaving me ample time for the items on my list that I often don't have time for. When it was all said and done, I had that happy feeling God tells us about in Ecclesiastes 3:22. I felt like a little kid who had just pleased her parents, joyful and accomplished.   

The next day, as we were driving to church, we passed by a mother who was pulling two children in a wagon while clutching a coffee mug and holding a dog leash in the other. She paused to let us pass, and when I glanced at her expression, I felt a strong urge to pull over and offer my help. However, a second look revealed that she was managing everything quite well. The kids looked comfortable and safe, the dog seemed happy to be out for a walk, and she appeared to be enjoying her morning coffee. She truly exemplified excellent time management on a Sunday morning!  

That morning, I added that mom to my prayers and found myself reflecting on how she seemed to have everything under control. I can only imagine that she has a special connection with God, who helps her manage her time.  

What's On Your To-Do List?

Reflecting on our to-do list, we might wonder if we are taking on more than what God is asking of us.  

From my experience, when I feel extremely stressed about my schedule, it's often a sign that I am doing more than what God is calling me to do. In these moments, prayerful discernment becomes invaluable, and it can also be helpful to consult a spiritual director or advisor.  

Even if time is limited, take a few moments to evaluate your list. Consider what tasks can be skipped, rescheduled, or shared with your spouse or family members. Then, when all else fails, these few words might help you: "Help me, Lord! I need more time!”

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Copyright 2025 Kimberly Novak
Images: Canva