“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time,
because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:16-16)
In the last week of December, 2025, I began to reflect on the end of the year and the
beginning of a New Year, 2026. I stopped making New Year resolutions a few years ago,
as I have seen and experimented their short duration. We all like to think at certain times
during the year that we will start anew or start something new. Like at the beginning of a
New Year, or right after school finishes, or right after vacations, or right after graduation,
and the list could go on and on. The fact is, resolutions often don’t evolve into long-term
actions.
So with all of this in mind I noticed that there are people who choose a “word” for the year
to help them go in a certain direction. As I pondered this thing, I thought to myself “what
would be a good word for me?” And immediately I thought of the word “write”, something I
would like to do on a regular basis but I don’t. Then I began wondering if the Lord would
give me a word, so I asked Him: “Lord, do you have a “word” for me? I’m thinking of “write”
which I feel you want me to do more of, but is there a specific “word” for THIS year that
you want to give me?” And I waited for an answer but received none.
On the last two days of the year during my prayer times, I forgot to remind the Lord of this
prayer I had made days earlier. I was busy with many things that do come upon us at the
end of a year and the beginning of another.
It is on the first day of every year that I always pray and ask God for a verse or verses that
He knows would be of particular encouragement for that year when finding myself in
difficult circumstances. However, I was desiring something more from God, so I started
praying a week before this day “Lord, do you have a “word” for me?” Do YOU ever desire
something more from God?
In my mind I had figured that if the Lord was going to give me a “word” it would be during
this particular prayer time. However, I woke up on the last day of the year 2025 and heard
God speak to me loud and clear. I had forgotten my prayer of days ago but He had not. I
was amazed and humbled at the same time because God chose to meet me in this way
and all because I had sought His Presence and asked Him for a “word”. And that “word”,
so softly spoken on the last day of December 31, 2025 was-TIME.
What we do with our TIME is important and I am sure that every one of us can find where
we can borrow TIME from useless activities (what about doom scrolling? and other such
activities) and use it for better things for the Kingdom.
“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)
I want to use my TIME evermore so wisely with what days the Lord has left to me on this
earth. I want to make those day and hours count and to be of good use for His kingdom.
Ecclesiastes 3:1: “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the
heaven.”
There is a TIME for every purpose, and how we spend the TIME in every season is up to
us to do and spend as we will. TIME is precious and it is a daily gift from God. Let us use it
wisely.
Take TIME with God every day and He will take TIME with you.
-Kathleen Pio Arcidiacono-