When my oldest grandson was about a year-and-a-half old, he developed a fascination with clocks. He would look up at the clock and ask, “What time is it?” We would answer with the correct time and go on playing with him or eating our lunch.

Two minutes later he would ask again, “What time is it?” We would tell him the time.

Two minutes later he would ask, “What time is it?”

Two minutes later he would ask, “What time is it?”

You get the idea. Aaron was constantly curious about the clock.

This week in my Bible reading, I came to Psalm 39. Verse 4 says:

Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
    Remind me that my days are numbered—
    how fleeting my life is.

And I was reminded that I need to be like Aaron and pay attention to what time it is.

Now I could tell you strategies for time management. I could share secrets on how to plan your day wisely. I love that kind of thing. I love planning my day and making a to-do list and checking off the finished tasks.

But this post has only two strategies for making the most of the time you have on earth.

First, I need to remember that my life on earth is short. Psalm 39:6 says:

We are merely moving shadows,
    and all our busy rushing ends in nothing.
We heap up wealth,
    not knowing who will spend it.

I ask myself, “Am I using my time wisely? Or am I busy rushing here and there–not accomplishing anything important? Am I trying to heap up money in my bank account or accomplishments on my resume–all the while knowing those things are not eternal?

An eternal perspective will make me more aware of how well I use my days and weeks.

Secondly, ask God what He wants me to do with my minutes and hours.

Psalm 39 goes on to say:

And so, Lord, where do I put my hope?
    My only hope is in you.
I am silent before you. (v. 7, 9)

In January I sat down and planned my year. I made some goals. I developed a strategy to keep my life on track.

But while goals and resolutions are important, the most important thing I can do is ask God what He wants me to do.

Psalm 39 reminds me that in addition to making goals I need silence. Silence before God is what it takes to hear Him. Silencing my rushing mind helps me to hear what He wants me to do. Silencing my both my fears and my ambitions help me to step out onto the path He wants for me.

“What time is it?”

It’s time to realize that our moments on earth are a precious commodity. I want to spend them wisely.