Making the Most of "Me Time"

A few weeks ago, I wrote this blog post in an attempt to describe how I, a self-proclaimed introvert, often feel in social situations.  I was blown away by how many people seemed to relate to the post, so I decided then and there to do a couple posts on what it looks like to be a Christian introvert.

In my last post, I discussed how introverts turn inward for energy. After spending time with people, they crave "me time" to think, process, rejuvenate.

In this post, we'll dig deeper into this "me time" and try to figure out how to best utilize this time to glorify God.  

So what exactly does "me time" look like?

For me, "me time" can take many shapes and forms. My "me time" usually involves one or several of the following: eating, reading, crafting, singing, thinking, praying, writing, facebooking, pondering, shopping, processing, or Netflixing.

You may have noticed that more than one of those activities takes place in my mind. One of the great benefits of "me time" (in my experience) is that allows me to think, ponder, process, and constantly take stock of where I'm at in life. Because I spend a great deal of time inside my own head, I am keenly aware of my desires, my sin, my passions, my pain. This awareness can lead to a host of good things, but if I'm not careful, it can also lead to great sin.

Awareness of my desires can lead to death or life (James 1:15, Psalm 145:19).

Awareness of my sin can lead to condemnation or repentance (Romans 8:1, 1 John 1:9).

Awareness of my passions can lead to selfishness or selflessness (1 Thessalonians 4:3-9).

And awareness of my pain can lead to bitterness or faithfulness (Job 2:9).

How, then, do I partake in the goodness while guarding against the sin?

By looking upward, not inward.  

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth (Psalm 121:1-2).

By focusing my thoughts on things above, not things below.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things (Philippians 4:8).

By being ever-mindful of the gospel.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, andto live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works (Titus 2:11-14).

Here's the thing...for the Christian, there's really no such thing as "me time."  I'll say it again to let it sink in...

For the Christian, there's really no such thing as "me time."

Christ purchased us at a great price so that he could make us his own, and as his own, we are in turn called to be "living sacrifices" that are "holy and acceptable to God" (Romans 12:1).

My "me time" is truly "His time." 

Every word I write, every thought I think, every breath I take belongs to Him and Him alone. And if I posture my heart in this way, I can rest assured that I am making the most of my time...His time.