Living on Borrowed Time
On borrowed time
We have to develop the awareness that we are living on “borrowed time,” that we are stewards of God’s gift of time. “You are not your own,” says the Apostle Paul; “you have been purchased at a price. Therefore glorify God…” (1 Cor 6:19–20). This might sting our pride a little. We tend to want to be on our own, to go about as we please, use our time as we will, and not think too much about our accountability to God or to anyone else. But if we accept time as God’s gift, we will seek his will in the most fruitful use of it.
What, then, can we do to properly make use of the time entrusted to us? I live in a monastery where time is regulated carefully. Bells announce times for church services and meals, and the times for work, prayer, and other activities are clearly specified. Life in the modern world is less predictable and tends to resist the daily order one finds in a monastery, but everyone is still responsible for using time wisely. “Watch carefully then how you live, not as foolish persons but as wise, making the most of the opportunity” Saint Paul says—and he was not addressing monks (Eph 5:15–16).
The basis for the wise use of time is self-discipline. This lesson is learned fairly quickly in a monastery, and its benefits are many. One thing I do right at the beginning of the day to avoid wasting time is to get out of bed immediately when the alarm rings. No hitting the snooze button, no rolling over, no daydreaming or drifting in and out of sleep. This practice requires discipline, but it has served me well. My days are full, and I do not wish to waste any precious time.
Some people begin their day by praying a morning offering and dedicating their day to God. Pausing for prayer throughout our day is also important, for we should never be too busy for God. Many people post some sort of reminder at home or in the workplace to say their morning offering and to recollect themselves for a short prayer. By praying throughout the day, we affirm that time is not our master but that God is the master of time.
Above all, we should avoid wasting time. It is always wrong to waste what is precious. If the Lord says we will be called to account for every careless word (see Mt 12:36–37), it stands to reason we will have to account for every hour we squander. Sometimes we may just have to ask ourselves explicitly, “Am I using my time wisely? Is what I am doing now a waste of time? Am I giving inordinate time to what is useless or vain when I could be doing something to better myself or help my neighbor?” God has given each of us a mission to accomplish in this world, and we should organize our time so as to best meet the requirements of that mission.
At Fatima, the angel appeared to the children and instructed them to pray. The angel appeared again later and found them spending their time frivolously and away from prayer. The angel said, “What are you doing? Pray! Pray very much!…Offer prayers and sacrifices constantly to the Most High.” It is as if the angel was saying, “Don’t waste time. There is much you can do to serve the Lord and benefit others.”
We ought to take this advice to heart. The world offers so much that is worthless and beneath our dignity—things and activities that distract us from prayer, charitable good works, and other important responsibilities.