There’s a well-known puzzle that poses the question:
“What flies without wings?”
Of course, the answer is time. It flows past us like grains of sand, quietly yet unceasingly. The unsettling truth? When it’s lost, it’s truly lost for good.

Each person receives precisely twenty-four hours each day—regardless of place of birth, financial status, or professional designation. The true distinction between individuals who succeed and those who face difficulties lies not in ability, upbringing, or chances available—but in how they manage their time.

As Benjamin Franklin warned,\xa0
Time once lost cannot be regained.

The Consequences of Ineffective Time Organization

Let’s face it: many of us have struggled with poor time management. We claim,
“I’ll\xa0start tomorrow,”
Only until tomorrow becomes next week. We tell ourselves that we perform best when pressured, yet we’re truly delaying tasks.

Imagine this scenario: a wedding invite states that the schedule begins at 10 a.m. You show up right on time, just to discover an empty venue with seats still being set up. After two hours, the bride finally arrives, looking beautiful but significantly delayed. Attendees feel annoyed, the musicians are worn out, and the celebration stretches far past nightfall.

Alternatively, think about workplace gatherings. The invitation states “9:00 a.m. sharp.” However, the initial thirty minutes are usually wasted waiting for essential attendees who arrive without explanation, then another thirty minutes pass discussing topics like commuting, sports, or current events. Before the real discussion starts, half the day has already passed.

It isn’t merely a “cultural habit.” Persistent tardiness and ineffective time handling—commonly referred to humorously as “African Time”—has financial implications for both people and countries. It undermines confidence, disrupts efficiency, and gradually hinders development.

As the Akan saying goes:
If one could return to retrieve what has been lost, time would cease to be.

Why Do We Continually Lose Track of Time

Why do we continue to fall into this mistake? Several factors are notable:

• 
  Procrastination:
  
  The misleading reassurance of “there’s still time.”
• 
  Distractions:
  
  From infinite WhatsApp conversation threads that seem to go on forever, to watching “just one more episode” on Netflix until it’s 3 a.m.
• 
  Poor Planning:
  
  Leaping into the day without a plan.
• 
  Busyness vs. Productivity:
  
  \xa0Mistaking activity for accomplishment.

Everyone has experienced this — browsing Facebook, convincing oneself “only for five minutes,” only to realize that two hours have passed when looking up. That’s time we can never reclaim.

The Story of Two Pupils

I’d like to tell you a straightforward tale. Ama and Kojo, two college students, followed identical courses and had an equal amount of time each day.

Ama utilized a planner, divided tasks into smaller parts, and maintained consistent study habits. Despite this, she still found time to unwind, participate in her fellowship, and spend time with companions.

However, Kojo delayed all tasks. He rushed through them the night before, relying on coffee and stress, frequently submitting incomplete assignments. Additionally, he spent many hours discussing political issues on WhatsApp and rewatching clips from games he had already attended in person.

By the conclusion of the term, Ama performed with ease whereas Kojo managed to pass just barely. Each possessed the same 24 hours per day. What set them apart? Ama viewed time as a valuable resource, while Kojo saw it as something secondary.

Life follows the same pattern.

The Concept of Time as a Sacred Responsibility

From a religious viewpoint, time holds holiness. Psalm 90:12 expresses,
Instruct us in the counting of our days, so that we might acquire a mind full of understanding.

Jesus personally showed excellent time organization. Even with the pressures of His mission, He maintained a balance between praying, working, resting, and engaging in social activities. In John 9:4, He stated,
I have to carry out the tasks assigned to me by Him who sent me, as long as it is daytime; for after dark, no one will be able to work.
His existence was pressing but structured—driven, not chaotic.

Each ticking sound from the clock is, indeed, a heavenly present.

Why Bad Time Allocation Hurts Countries

It isn’t only people who face consequences when time is squandered. Whole countries also experience a loss of progress.

Consider delayed construction initiatives, legal proceedings that extend over years, or never-ending policy “discussions” with no outcomes. Or take into account how numerous public functions often begin late—even funerals, where the main guest (the departed) is already there!

In contrast, Japan has such precise train schedules that even a one-minute delay becomes headline news. Their cultural emphasis on valuing time fosters productivity and advancement.

What if our communities showed the same regard for time? Educational institutions would begin promptly, companies would provide reliable service, authorities would respond quickly, and progress would speed up.

Wisdom of the Ages

Throughout different cultures, proverbs serve as reminders about the significance of time:

• Neither time nor the tides pause for anyone.
  \xa0– Geoffrey Chaucer
• The negative aspect is that time passes quickly. The positive side is that you are in control.
  \xa0– Michael Altshuler
• African Proverb:\xa0
  Those who get ready for tomorrow today will own it.
• Riddle:\xa0
  I’m constantly moving forward, not backward. You cannot hold onto me, yet you have the power to use me. What am I?
  \xa0(Answer: Time).

These are more than just smart phrases—they serve as guides for a more enlightened life.

Actionable Strategies for Becoming Proficient with Time

Below are several methods to claim the clock:

1. 
   Set Priorities:
   
   Not all pressing matters are significant. Practice concentration.
2. 
   Plan Ahead:
   
   Utilize lists, schedules, or applications. Keep in mind: not making plans means preparing for failure.
3. 
   Break Tasks Down:
   
   A hill appears less daunting as you ascend one step at a time.
4. 
   Limit Distractions:
   
   Protect your focus with the same intensity you protect your finances.
5. 
   Be Punctual:
   
   Being punctual shows courtesy and readiness.
6. 
   Rest:
   
   Success depends on equilibrium. Even divine beings took a break on the seventh day.

Living with Purpose

Apostle Paul encouraged in Ephesians 5:16,
Seize each chance fully, as these times are difficult.

Unlike currency, time can’t be saved or loaned. You can’t reserve today’s minutes for use another day. Each moment squandered represents a lost chance.

No matter whether you’re managing a business, raising a household, or chasing individual aspirations, the essential factor is viewing time as your greatest asset.

Final Thoughts

There’s an old saying:\xa0
What do we all desire, yet discard once obtained?
Unfortunately, the answer is time.

When we regard time as holy, meaningful, and absolute, all other aspects—efficiency, development, connections with others, and even inner evolution—will naturally align themselves.

Remember James 4:14:\xa0
you are a fog that emerges briefly and then disappears.
Life is short. Time is running out.

Therefore, the next time you feel like spending two hours debating in a WhatsApp chat over who the top forward in the Premier League is, take a moment and reflect:
Am I truly using my time optimally here?

Life is time. Spend it well.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).