Redeem the Time

This year, I find myself chauffeuring my kids to outside events more than ever.  I was finding myself with a lot of wasted time on my hands.  I would get the kids out the door, drive them where they needed to be, and then ask, "Now, what am I going to do?"  There are five hours of dance, two and a half hours of sports club activities, and another hour of piano lessons where I was just sitting, doing nothing, or worse, looking for treats in the food or shopping line to pacify myself.  I had to do something else.  So, I compiled a list:

What I Can Do While the Kids are Involved in Sports/Music/Other Activities

• Quiet Time - I can read my Bible and pray (duh!)
• TOS Reviews - I can keep up with my blog and review schedule by reading assigned works and jotting down notes
• Write - I can write stories for my kids (if I get the inspiration) and I can write letters/e-mails to friends/family
• Mpact Girls - I can pray for my teen class and prepare the lesson for the week
• Read - I can read for fun or information
• Plan - I can plan for literature or other subjects that take a little time
• Visit - I have a couple of friends nearby the locations where I am waiting; I could pop over
• Run Errands - I can go to the bank, the library, or the store
• Walk - I can walk (or even swim at the rec center) for exercise, fresh air, and enjoying Creation

Just giving purpose to these alone-times has improved my attitude and productivity tremendously.  Now, I get myself prepared before we leave the house.  I grab pertinent books, writing materials, lists, etc.  I even try to remember to take a healthy snack along so I am not tempted by nearby McDonalds or Slurpee stores.

See then that you walk carefully, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  Ephesians 5:15-16