Redeem the Time!

 There’s an old song with the lyrics, “Time is on your side.” The older I get, the less this seems true. As I reflect on my life, it feels as though time “flew” by before I could fully embrace all the desires of my heart. While I still have goals and aspirations, I sometimes wonder if I’ll have enough time to accomplish most of them. I’ve narrowed my list down to three absolutes, recognizing that everything is a process and nothing is promised. Despite this, I live with enthusiastic faith, fueled by another song that encourages, “Don’t stop believing.” That’s me! I’m a believer at heart, and I pray this characteristic continues to drive me forward. Now in my 70s, I hope for a few more decades of health and happiness. Is that realistic? Who knows? But it’s certainly worth the effort. I strive daily to incorporate life-enhancing practices into my routine, knowing there are no guarantees. My focus is simple: to redeem the time I have left.

How to Redeem Your Time

Time is fascinating. It moves forward no matter what we do—unstoppable and unyielding. We can’t freeze it, rewind it, or fast-forward through it. But what we can do is maximize the moments we have now. Redeeming time means living intentionally. It’s about being purposeful with our 24-hour days and seven-day weeks. When we prioritize and make thoughtful choices, we improve our chances of truly enjoying life. Don’t leave life to chance. As the saying goes, “Time flies when you’re having fun.” But here’s the truth: time flies whether you’re having fun or not. So why not set goals, make plans, and be deliberate in redeeming your time?

 Dealing with Setbacks

 Life doesn’t always go as planned. Recently, I’ve faced some unexpected changes in my vision and hearing. At first, the differences were subtle—difficulty seeing at night, asking people to repeat themselves, and turning the television volume higher. I chalked it up to aging. But being proactive, I sought professional advice, and the diagnosis was more sobering than expected. I followed all the recommendations to improve my condition, but progress was minimal. The questions came flooding in: How did this happen? When did it get so bad? Setbacks are inevitable. The key is to face them head-on, accept the reality, and make adjustments. Life changes—physically, emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and socially. To redeem the time, we must adapt. For me, this meant reevaluating my priorities. I’m focusing on what’s most important and letting go of what isn’t. It’s about assessing where you are, determining where you want to go, and taking intentional steps forward.

 Stick to the Plan

 Consistency. Dedication. Fortitude. Commitment. Redeeming your time requires hard work, but it’s worth it. The clock is ticking, and there’s no time to waste. Seize the day. Grab opportunities. Embrace the present. Time is precious—treat it as such. From this moment forward, live your life on purpose. Strategically plan, then stick to your plan with resolve. Life is an adventure! Live it boldly, with joy and intention. As the saying goes: “Yesterday is a canceled check. Tomorrow is a promissory note. Today is the only cash you have. Spend it wisely.” Now, go redeem your time.