BURNING DAYLIGHT
The winter solstice is rapidly approaching. The solstice, December 21, is the day with the fewest hours of daylight in the northern hemisphere. Daylight is precious. The hours of darkness make commuting more difficult and dangerous. The long evening hours are more conducive to leisure than productivity.
The phrase “burning daylight” means to waste time. Another way to describe it is procrastination. Procrastination did not originate with me, but I have perhaps perfected it. Procrastination is usually intentional. We tend to postpone tasks that are unpleasant or difficult. Folks also tend to postpone tasks that bring emotional distress. We may postpone a doctor’s appointment for example because we fear the results of testing. Procrastination may also be the result of insecurity or anxiety. Sometimes we do not start a project because we simply do not know where to start. Sometimes we lack resources such as funding or sufficient help.
Procrastination may also take a more active form. A more pleasant task can always be found. More important tasks are brushed aside while we are running errands or rearranging the sock drawer. Just because we were busy did not mean that we were not procrastinating. Most of the time, the barriers preventing us from undertaking important tasks exist only in our mind.
All things considered; time may be the most precious resource with which God has entrusted us. We place great value on precious metals, on fine workmanship and on fine art. We may invest great time or effort in the accumulation or creation of these material treasures. Then, under duress, we recognize that food, shelter, and clothing are of greater value than material treasures. We come to regret the opportunities lost to secure necessities while we were off chasing our desires.
Solomon indulged in every endeavor in which he could invest both time and resources. He wisely concluded that all material pursuits were vanity. He recognized that serving God was man’s purpose. Solomon eventually abandoned God to fulfill his wives’ expectations rather than God’s. Solomon knew better but abandoned God anyway.
Don’t make the same mistake. See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (Ephesians 5:15 – 17 NKJV) Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. (Colossians 4:5 NKJV)