Take the Time

Today, I want to start with a simple thought: let’s take time to soak everything in so we don’t miss what the Lord has for us.

We’re slowing things down and talking about taking the time. Because let’s be honest—we’re always on the go. From sunrise to sunset, we’re juggling to-do lists, driving kids around, answering texts, and trying to stay awake during quiet time. But what if taking time—on purpose—actually helps us live better?

Whether it’s time with God, time with loved ones, or just time to breathe, let’s explore how being intentional can bring peace and purpose to our days.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT) — “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.”

So as you set your pace for today and look for God this morning, remember—what you do matters.

We’re talking about something many of us struggle with—slowing down. It sounds simple, but we make it hard, don’t we?

Ever had one of those mornings where you spill coffee on your shirt, can’t find your keys, and drive off with your coffee mug still on top of the car? We all have. We’re always rushing—but at what cost?

Sometimes, getting ahead is good—but also bad. When we rush, we might make time for other things, but we also risk cutting corners, missing moments, or doing the bare minimum. It’s better to take the time and do things right the first time than to have to go back and redo it.

There have been so many times over the years when I’ve tried to have a serious devotional moment… and all kinds of interruptions happened. I’d either get frustrated or just take it in stride. Sometimes, interruptions are reminders not to take ourselves too seriously. Other times, they’re lessons in obedience—God calling us to get up and do something, even if it feels inconvenient.

We can get so focused on our task that our reactions—or our distractions—get in the way. And sometimes, we are the distraction. We start quiet time, then realize we’ve picked up our phones. We need to set aside sacred time—moments to reclaim our focus.

We’re always on the go, and sometimes we feel like something’s missing when we do have downtime. But slowing down isn’t about doing less. It’s about doing what matters. It’s about being intentional and present.

Let’s not fill our schedules just to avoid stillness. Let’s concentrate on pausing. On praying. On resetting our souls.

You’ll find that when you take the time to soak in where you are and what you’re doing, life will feel lighter, more peaceful, and more purposeful.

Now, we’re turning our focus outward—taking time for people. Whether it’s family, friends, or a stranger who needs a smile, people matter more than our packed schedules.

I once had a friend say, “If I’m not busy, I feel like I’m doing something wrong.” But life isn’t just about being busy—it’s about being available.

We all know someone who, when asked how they’re doing, responds with, “I’m just so busy.” Sometimes, busyness is how we avoid what we really need to work on.

But God wants us to make time—for Him, for people, for growth.

Getting together with others helps us connect on a deeper level. Slowing down makes room for relationships to grow.

As we’ve talked about taking time today, one thing is clear: checking in on others is important. It pulls us out of our everyday routine and connects us to something bigger.A quick text that says, “I’m thinking about you” can go a long way.

Stopping to talk for five minutes can make a huge difference in someone’s day. People don’t need grand gestures—they need to feel remembered and seen.

If you’re always rushing, it’s easy to miss what God has put in front of you. But when we slow down, we begin to see—to notice people, opportunities, and quiet nudges from the Lord.

And when we see others, we can love them like Jesus does.

That’s our calling as Christ followers: to see and reach those who need love. And often, that happens not through big acts but through simple, everyday conversations.

We’ve talked about slowing down for ourselves and focusing on others—but now it’s time to talk about what matters most: your soul, your purpose, and your walk with God.

You wouldn’t skip charging your phone every night—so why skip charging your heart?

Time with God isn’t a luxury. It’s a lifeline.

Most of us feel pulled in a hundred directions. But what if we started each day with, “God, what really matters today?” It’s amazing how our priorities shift when we ask that.

This kind of daily reset shows our willingness to walk with God intentionally. It helps us stay on the right path.

Our scripture today reminds us: Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT) — “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven." Every season brings something new. Let’s be open to what God has for us in each one.

I remember looking at my dad’s Bible and notes after he passed away. He had taken time to write out so much—his thoughts, prayers, and what God was teaching him. That time he invested changed him. My dad hadn’t always been consistent in reading his Bible, but when he chose to give it his all, it transformed him.

If he hadn’t taken that time, I truly believe he would have kept living in that “just enough” mindset.

We can’t afford to float through life—especially not our spiritual life—doing just the bare minimum. We need to do the heart-and-soul work that keeps us growing in and with the Lord.

Time is the one thing we can’t get back. So spend it well. Take time to rest, to love, and to listen. Your soul will thank you—and so will the people around you.

Remember: You don’t have to do everything.

But you can take time for the things that truly matter.

Don’t rush past what’s important.

Savor the little moments.

Show up for people.

And spend time with the One who gave you today.