Making Time for What Matters Most

What Brings You Real Joy?

Last week, we talked about simplifying our lives and taking control of our schedules. We shared that simplifying isn't just about doing less—it's about creating more space to become the men God has called us to be.

As we continued reflecting this week, one question kept coming back to us.

If we took an honest assessment of everything we do each week, what actually brings us the most joy?

Not the temporary excitement that fades after a purchase, an accomplishment, or another item checked off the to-do list. We're talking about the kind of deep joy that comes from living the life God designed us to live.

As we thought about it, several things immediately came to mind.

• Spending quality time with our wives.

• Being fully present with our kids or grandkids.

• Our weekly workouts together, devotional time, prayer, and simply doing life alongside one another.

• Serving others, encouraging someone, or going out of our way to help.

• Working hard and faithfully using the gifts God has given us.

• Enjoying simple hobbies like boating, coaching, taking walks, reading, fishing, or even mowing the lawn.

None of these things is flashy. Most wouldn't make headlines. But they bring something much deeper than momentary happiness.

They bring joy.

As we made this list, we also noticed something interesting.

There are plenty of activities we enjoy that probably wouldn't make the list if our time became limited. Yet somehow, they still consume large portions of our schedules.

Last week, we joked that, as men, we often try to fit ten pounds into a five-pound bag.

It's a little like walking through an all-you-can-eat buffet. We keep piling more onto our plates until food is falling over the sides. Eventually, we're uncomfortable and wondering why we took so much in the first place.

Life can feel exactly like that.

Our calendars become overfilled. Our attention becomes divided. Before long, we've crowded out many of the very things that actually bring us life.

Jesus offers a different picture.

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10

The enemy rarely begins by convincing us to pursue obviously bad things.

More often, he distracts us with endless busyness.

We chase what the world tells us we need. We seek short-term gratification. We fill every empty space with another commitment, another notification, another obligation.

But viewed through an eternal lens, how much of that will really matter?

If we could look back years from now, what would we wish we'd spent less time doing?

And what would we wish we'd protected more fiercely?

Our challenge this week is simple.

Choose one activity that consistently brings you lasting joy.

• Schedule it.

• Protect it.

• Put the phone away.

• Be fully present.

You may have to say "no" to something else in order to say "yes" to what matters most. That isn't selfish. It's stewardship. We leave you with Paul's encouragement:

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

Have a blessed week, gents.