Time Is Not On Our Side

I've been thinking a lot lately, trying to process life and how to live it well. I have succumbed, yet again, to allow life to happen to me, rather than living life intentionally and purposefully.

Time does not slow down, in case you have not figured that out yet. It keeps going, and you either catch up to it or it bowls you over. I think it's probably safe to say that most of us struggle with time-management. I like to think that because it's less alienating that way. How do we juggle all the things of life that seem so important to us? I'm not talking about trying to fit in more shopping time or learning the cello (which is something I want desperately to learn - unfortunately, it has a hard time climbing the priority ladder). I'm talking about spending time in solitude, quieting our hearts down to appreciate life and find rest and strength in God. I'm talking about going grocery shopping, eating healthier, and exercising regularly. I'm talking about spending time with people, getting to know them better, learning how to love them more deeply, caring for their needs, learning their mannerisms, enjoying the ups and downs of life together. I'm talking about taking time to develop the gifts and talents and skills that we all have, in order to effectively serve the people around us and/or provide for those we are responsible for. I'm talking about reading books slowly and journaling about the ways those books affect us.

How do we find balance?

The very popular scripture tells us to "seek the kingdom of God first, and all those other things will be added to you". What does it mean to seek the kingdom of God first? And, honestly, how does that play itself in the everyday stuff of life? Because no matter how I slice it - I have student loans I need to pay. That means I have a job I have to work. That means a commute I have to drive. That means a lack of time that I have to deal with. That means I start managing people, instead of enjoying them. I start treating people like resources and priorities and scheduled appointments, instead of friends. Something about that seems desperately wrong. We weren't meant to live at such a breakneck pace. So how do we slow down? How do we slow down our activities, without withdrawing into self-gratifying hobbies and entertainment?

I'm sure there's a way. I can't explain it, but this whole balance-issue isn't as heavy as it once would have been. I would have sunk into a very discouraged depression and checked-out mentally. Now, it feels more like a challenge. I'm probably to blame for most of the chaos I feel, so if I made choices to get me here, I can make choices to get myself out of this.

Any suggestions?