Having Time vs. Making Time

Each one of us has 24 hours in a day, 168 hours in a week, 730 hours in a month, and 8,765 hours in a year. No one on the earth gets more or less (unless you jump back and forth across the international date line) :D 

I've learned a lot lately about the difference between having time vs. making time. What's the difference?

having time= having 24 hours in a day, 168 hours in a week etc. etc. to accomplish all of the tasks that are placed before us. 

making time= using that 24 hours a day, 168 hours in a week etc. etc. to prioritize and do those things that matter most.

So, when someone asks you if you can help them with something and you say the classic, "oh, I'm sorry, I don't have time," you actually DO have time, you're just not making time. 

When you rationalize "oh, I don't have time to complete this assignment because I have another paper to write and an exam to study for," you DO in fact have time, you're just not making time.

Now, please don't misunderstand me: I'm not saying that we are all superheroes and can do everything that everyone asks us to do! We can't make time for EVERYTHING. But we can make time for that which is important :)

So, what's important? What are the things that matter most?

I think the best answer I've ever received to this question comes from my incredible, strong, and wise mother: 

"people are the most important." 

Next time you think that you don't have time to talk to a struggling friend, to do your home or visiting teaching, to smile at the stressed-out looking girl walking across campus, or to strengthen your relationships with your close friends, you have an important decision to make:

Out of the time that you have, will you make time? 

Dear friends, let's make time for the things that really have meaning in our lives: the people we love, the Savior that atoned for our sins, taking care of our own sanity and health, and doing activities that help us to learn and to progress. Because next time you think that you are too busy to help someone in need, to reach out to an individual, remember the One that walked this way before:

 The busiest man that ever walked the earth MADE TIME for individuals. He taught, he loved, he healed, he blessed ONE BY ONE. So, too, should we follow His example. 

So, friends, let's not wear our business as a badge. Let's make time for those that we love. Let's make time to follow our perfect exemplar and teacher, Jesus Christ.    

Some last food for thought: 

“Sometimes we feel that the busier we are, the more important we are—as though our busyness defines our worth. Brothers and sisters, we can spend a lifetime whirling about at a feverish pace, checking off list after list of things that in the end really don’t matter. That we do a lot may not be so important. That we focus the energy of our minds, our hearts, and our souls on those things of eternal significance—that is essential.” 

- Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Follow Me,” Ensign, May 2002