“People are struggling to meet the competing demands of a workplace that can reach out to them 24/7, (of) caring for children and aging parents, and (of meeting) their own need to refresh their body and mind,” said Roy Romanow, chairman of the Canadian Index of Wellbeing and former premier of Saskatchewan.

According to a new report from the Canadian Index of Wellbeing, Canadians are facing a serious “timecrunch.” We are juggling many balls in the air and it is a matter of time before we lose our balance and face the consequences. It seems we are experiencing greater stress and time pressures. We also seem to have fewer meals together as a family. As a result, we have less time for leisure and relaxation.

How should we then live? Do we measure the quality of life in terms of our ability to enjoy leisure and recreation? How does the West Coast lifestyle affect our spiritual and emotional wellbeing? Are we rushing to worship services on Sunday because we feel tired and need more rest after a busy week? Are we trying to do more in less time? Have we considered the wisdom of having a rhythm in our pace of life? What should we give up so that the essential dimensions in life are not neglected or compromised?

Aside from the principle of sabbath-rest, Scripture recommends an attitude that seeks to redeem our time because we live in an age of vanity and narcissism. Instead of being driven as consumers to make more money so that we may spend more on ourselves, we are reminded of God’s promise that He will provide all that we need in life as long as we seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness (Mt. 6:33). It seems counterintuitive to devote time to prayer, worship and fellowship if we could do other more exciting and entertaining activities. On Sundays, when the weather is good, we satisfy our craving for recreational fun rather than give priority to worship. When our children’s sports activities compete with church programs, it is not uncommon to give sports greater priority. Consequently, participation in congregational life and spiritual formation suffers from the “time crunch.” We do not seem to have enough time to do all the good things we want to do in life.

The apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 5:15-17: “Be very careful, then how you life – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” There is an urgency because the world is not hospitable to the things of God. We are tempted to spend our time in activities that do not conform to God’s purposes. In addition, we might reason that there will be time for God and the church later, after we have attended to the pressing demands from our work, family and home. But, there is an urgent need to make the most of every opportunity that God gives us because the Lord Jesus warned that he will return most unexpectedly.

Let us make time for conversations with the people we care about. Let us devote our attention to refreshing our souls and nurturing our minds. Let us give priority to worship, prayer and Scripture. Let us slow down and notice the folk around us, recognizing the people who are vulnerable, weak and lonely. Let us take breaks and sabbath-rests as part of our weekly rhythm of life. Let us live fully in the present as God’s people rather than as people of the world.