Live Below Your Means

 I don't do this often but I was looking through some journal entries and found this in my journal from a couple years ago "Live below your means. Not only in your money but with your time."

It felt like a slap in the face. How did I know this before and forget about applying this to my life recently? 

I know that life is more stressful when you live in debt. I have seen couples I admire fall apart over the stress of financial debt. My husband and I have tried to learn from that and have tried to avoid loans or credit card debt for most things except houses and vehicles and I believe it has helped us avoid a lot of unnecessary stress.

However, I can't say that I feel that way about my time. I feel that I often feel like I am running behind in my day. I am always wanting to do and accomplish more. Things take longer than I expect them. 

Just as I budget and try to be realistic with my money, I need to do the same with my time. I need to make sure the most important things are take care of. I need to make sure that I am not mindlessly procrastinating and spending my time on things that do not matter to me just as I watch out for pointless expenditures that are not worth my money. 

I don't want to rob myself of time with my family, or from reaching for my goals, for example, so I need to realize that I need to prioritize these things so they do not get pushed aside.

Ephesians 5:15-16 KJV says

See that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Ephesians 5:15-16 NLT

So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.