Have you ever had one of those lazy Saturdays where the hours slip through your fingers, and by the end of the day, you’re left wondering, What did I even do today? That was me—again. For the longest time, my weekend mornings were predictable. I’d sleep in, lounge around, binge-watch a show or two, and before I knew it, the day had vanished.
But one Friday, as I was mentally preparing for yet another laid-back Saturday, something shifted. Instead of letting another weekend slip by in a haze, I decided to do something different. It was a simple change, really—I just made a plan. Funny how even the smallest adjustments can make a huge impact on how we feel about ourselves and our time.
As William Penn once said, “Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.” We all have days when hours seem to vanish, leaving us feeling unaccomplished. But what if those very days could be transformed into opportunities for growth, reflection, and even joy?
The Power of Purposeful Planning
That Saturday, I did something unusual: I planned ahead. Instead of letting the day unfold by chance, I made a list. Grocery shopping, holiday shopping (in advance for once), and even writing out some holiday cards. It wasn’t a revolutionary to-do list, but for the first time in a while, I approached my day with intention.
The surprising part? By the end of the day, I felt great—accomplished, peaceful, and even energized. It got me thinking: why do I allow so many days to slip by without purpose? How much of my time is spent reacting rather than planning?
The Bible speaks about the value of time and purpose. In Ecclesiastes 3:1, we are reminded, “To everything, there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” Time is precious and fleeting, but so often, we don’t treat it that way. When we fail to plan, we waste opportunities to grow and to fulfill the purpose we are meant to live out.
For me, that Saturday was a wake-up call. I realized that I had been stuck in a cycle of unproductive weekends, draining my energy and my enthusiasm for life. Benjamin Franklin once said, “You may delay, but time will not.” Time keeps moving, whether we use it wisely or not. And so, I made a promise to myself: I would stop letting time slip away from me.
A Personal Reflection on Wasted Time
I remember another moment in my life when I was constantly busy but never felt like I was getting anywhere. Work obligations piled up, family events filled my calendar, and I was stretched thin. But for all my busyness, I was missing something. I wasn’t present in any of it. My days were full, but my soul felt empty.
I wasn’t intentional with my time. I was reacting to what life threw at me instead of proactively shaping my days. Looking back now, I see that I was on autopilot, letting my days blur together. I wasn’t doing what I loved—writing, nurturing my relationships, or even taking care of myself spiritually.
When I finally made the shift to becoming more intentional, everything changed. I carved out time for things that mattered—writing consistently, having meaningful conversations with loved ones, and nurturing my spiritual life. I wasn’t just filling my time anymore; I was giving it purpose. And it felt amazing.
As Psalm 90:12 teaches us, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Our time is limited, and each day is far too valuable to let slip by without intention.
Soul Insights
1. Plan with Purpose, but Hold Plans Loosely
While it’s important to have a plan, life doesn’t always go according to schedule. That’s okay. The key is to set an intention, make an effort, and remain flexible when things don’t go as expected. As the saying goes, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” But remember to leave room for life’s surprises—they often bring the most joy.
2. Create Space for Stillness
Sometimes, it’s not about doing more but about doing less. In our fast-paced world, stillness can feel unproductive, but in reality, it’s where we recharge and find clarity. As Psalm 46:10 reminds us, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Don’t underestimate the power of stillness—it’s never wasted time.
3. Identify What Truly Matters
When we don’t prioritize, we get lost in the endless distractions of life. Reflect on what truly matters to you—your relationships, your dreams, your health. Let these priorities guide your actions each day. When you focus on what’s important, you’ll find that you waste less time on the things that aren’t.
4. Celebrate Small Wins
Every small step forward counts. Did you write a single page of that book you’ve been dreaming about? Celebrate it. Did you declutter just one drawer? Feel good about it. Small accomplishments build momentum, and over time, they create significant change.
5. Learn to Say No to Distractions
We live in a world full of distractions—social media, TV, endless notifications. It’s okay to say no, even to things that seem harmless. Saying no to distractions means saying yes to more meaningful activities. As Michael Altshuler wisely said, “The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.” Take control of your time by focusing on what really matters.
Final Thoughts
That Saturday may have started like any other, but by the end of it, I felt a deep sense of accomplishment and peace. It was a small shift—just a little bit of planning and intentionality—but it made a world of difference. If we’re not careful, our days can blur together, leaving us feeling like we’ve accomplished nothing. But with a little forethought and reflection, even the most ordinary days can be transformed into purposeful, meaningful moments.
Life is a gift, and every day we’re given is an opportunity to grow, reflect, and make a difference. Whether it’s catching up on tasks, spending time with loved ones, or nurturing our souls, we have the power to turn wasted time into intentional moments.
As Colossians 4:5 encourages, “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.” Let’s be honest mindful of how we spend each day, knowing that even the smallest efforts can lead to profound change.
© 2024 Amelie Chambord
Soul Path Insights 
Leave a comment