Years ago, I read the book “The Life of Benjamin Franklin.” It said that when Benjamin Franklin was 7 years old, his friends gave him some money. At once, he scurried off to a store that sold toys. But along the way, he met a boy who was playing a whistle. The youthful Benjamin was charmed by the sound. So he gave all of his money to the boy in exchange for the whistle.
When Benjamin returned home, he played the high-pitched whistle and enjoyed it. However, the piercing sound echoing through the house was disturbing to his family members. When his family found out how much young Benjamin paid for the whistle, they told him he had foolishly given four times as much as the whistle was worth.
The whistle then lost its charm. Benjamin asked himself, “What else could I have done with the rest of that money?”
As the years went by, it’s said when he observed what others did with their time and what was sacrificed and tolerated, he’d think to himself, “They’re giving too much for their whistles.”
Time slips through our fingers so fast that sometimes we just have to stop and ask ourselves, “What are we giving for the whistle?”
God has entrusted you with 24 hours a day and 168 hours a week. There are so many incredible possibilities for your future. You have immeasurable potential, amazing skills and talents. So, how are you spending the time that God has given to you?
Today, slow down and take a careful look at all that you are doing. Right now is the best part of your day! It is a gift from God. Hence, let’s start the day with an attitude of faith and gratitude, making the most of each precious minute.
Be selective about what people, places and things to which you give your time and attention. Move past negative thoughts and stop reliving failures. Let go of unfair situations that are behind you. If you dwell on the past or fear the future, it can prevent you from enjoying today.
The Bible says, “One thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.” (Philippians 3:13).
I heard it said, “What you think about, and are thankful about, you bring about.” If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. So be determined to set your thoughts on whatever is “true, noble, right, pure, and lovely,” (Philippians 4:8). For every minute spent upset is sixty seconds of happiness lost.
Appreciate and nurture what matters most to you. Speak aloud your heart’s desires.
Remember, you can’t please everyone. Your responsibility is to please God. So, shield yourself from influences that would lead you away from the abundant life that God wants you to live.
Keep God first, “Seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness.” (Matthew 6:33) Throughout your day, put your focus on Him. When you have your focus right, it will simplify your life and you’ll live happier, more peaceful and fulfilled.