My parents have at least 15 clocks in their three-bedroom home. I counted them! Obviously, they collected clocks along the way. These clocks reflect the focus in our family of good time management. Growing up, there was an unspoken rule of efficiency in our home, “Never waste time.”

The stages of life dictate how we manage our time. Of course, there are needs to be met and daily schedules to follow. However, moving from a focus of managing time to a frame of savoring time, transforms the daily ticking clock. The emphasis changes from completing tasks to enjoying the process and experiences of life.

Removing the hurried ways of time-management releases tension, anxiety, and worry. What if you reframe the ticking of the clock by experiencing time as a gift? Is there something that is draining time from your family? Which activity can be removed from your weekly schedule? Time really can be a space for soaking, instead of frantically rushing. Our eyes can adjust to see the good, not just the end. With the gift of time, you can linger longer, laugh more, and breathe deeper. Life should be lived from a place of joy, not as a rushed battle that is constantly lagging behind. Experiencing growth and blessings come when you slow down to savor the gift of time. This type of adjusting life’s hurry takes patience, awareness and presence.

So what time is it for you? In the season of parenting young children, it may be time to help with schoolwork, decide on dinner plans, sift through millions of school emails, or take a child to their next rehearsal or practice. Whatever time your clock says, remember the gift wrapped in having time with your children. They need the gift of your presence. That will never be a waste of time.

Every day brings with it enough time to love deeper and draw closer together. These gifts require no management; but are blessings to be expressed and savored. Jesus is doing the same with each of us if we will slow down and soak in His gift of love. It is Jesus’ love that gives our soul the ultimate gift of time, life forever with Him. Then, there will be no clocks and no hurry.