Time Saved

We live in a very time conscious society. Advancements in technology provide an abundant supply of time saving devices to assist us as we multi-task through each day. I seem to always be looking for faster or better ways to do things in a more efficient manner.

Just the other day as I was waiting for the oven timer to sound off I tried to think of something I could do in the fifteen minutes that remained on the timer. Like all multi-tasking people, I try to fill each minute of the day with some type of activity. Suddenly, the buzzer on the dryer let me know there were clothes ready to be folded and put away.

As I headed to the laundry room to unload the dryer, a bright red Cardinal at the feeder outside my kitchen window captured my attention. I spent the next fifteen minutes observing the frenzy at the feeder. I became so engrossed in watching the birds that I forgot about the clothes and was slightly annoyed when the oven timer went off.

This experience made me stop and think about what I actually do with the minutes I save each day by multi-tasking. Do I spend time with family, friends, and pets? Do I volunteer my time to help others? Do I read more, exercise more, or discover new hobbies? Do I enjoy nature’s wonders? It was during this time of pondering that I came to the conclusion that generally I am unable to account for what I do with the time I save each day.

I felt relaxed and refreshed after that brief period of bird watching. I realized that I was filling up the moments of time I was saving with even more chores. I made the decision then to make better use of the time I save each day. Having and using all of the time saving devices available today is fine. They often make life much easier. But, why save time if I’m not going to use the time saved in a worthwhile or personally beneficial manner?

I’m so grateful to the Cardinal that captured my attention that morning. It made me realize how beneficial a brief respite from chores can be. I am now more accountable for what I do with the time I save each day. I use the minutes saved for self-restoration, nature watching, and helping others. Knowing how I use the time I save gives me a sense of satisfaction.