Spare Moments

"In my 'spare time' I'm going to write a book."

 Ever hear someone say that? I have. Lots of times.

 At almost every speech or book signing I give, at least one person approaches me and admits they have a book inside them. They usually add something like, "And someday, when I have the spare time, I am going to write it."

 Personally, I believe we all have a unique and interesting story to tell, and we should write it down. If not for the world to read, then for our loved ones, especially family. Wouldn't you cherish a book (or even a journal of sorts) written by your great-grandmother about her life? Or love reading about how your great-great grandfather came to America from another country and forged out a good living for his family?

 We should all have a book inside us - at least one. But the notion that you'll have "spare time" is, well...not so realistic. Life happens. We have schedules and interruptions to those schedules.  And what many of us don't grasp is, writing takes more time and energy than we realize. If we truly wish to pursue it, though, we can make the time. It will have to become and remain a priority for us. Don't forget, too, that you can and should pray about it. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3.

I like to reflect on how Ralph Waldo Emerson worded the notion of spare moments: 

 Guard well your spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds. Discard them and their value will never be known. Improve them and they will become the brightest gems in a useful life.

 What about you? How are you using your "spare moments"? What steps are you taking toward guarding and protecting the uncut diamonds in your life, so that your legacy will be a light for generations to come?

 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,  making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.  Ephesians 5:15-16