Basically, anything you can think of, in general, can be replaced. If you misplace something, you can go buy another one of whatever that may be. When you spend money, you can go work for a while and earn that money back. But then we're talking about using the one resource that you will never be able to get back. No matter what you do, time will continually be used by your breathing body. You have a very limited amount of it. What you do with it is up to you, and it is invaluable. You have the opportunity to enjoy every moment that God has given you and to make each moment as enjoyable as possible for you and those experiencing life with you.
In the U.S. especially, our society seems to praise a "live to work" mentality, where we spend our time working to make as much money as we can in order to keep on living - that is to continue to make more money. Where is the value in using your time this way? I understand that we need money to live. However, give thought to what is most important to you. I am not suggesting that work is not enjoyable. I've written on passions in the past - about how we should all pursue what we love so that our own life's cycle is not to work miserably in order to keep on living, therefore prolonging the misery that is your work. Rather, we should ask ourselves what it is we love so that we may make money while filling our own lives with joy. In this case, working a lot can be a joyful and uplifting experience. Remember, though, that your life impacts those around you.
I hope that most of my readers desire to marry and have a family one day. Then, you can provide for your family in your work, bringing even greater joy to work itself. I also hope, though, that your family will be of utter importance to you so that you want to spend as much time with them as possible. In this, I believe as a family man or woman, one should be sure to align his or her own priorities so that he or she would rather work to live. Work can certainly still be life-giving to you, yes. But what can you think of that beats love? Your family loves you, and you will one day love the family you start just as much, if not more. People loving people, I believe, is the most life-giving manifestation of God's love for us. One would be hard-pressed to find a greater source of joy between people than an act showing their love for you, whatever that may be. Thus, I would conclude that the most life-giving act that we can bestow upon others is an act of love - expecting nothing in return, rather do it because it brings you joy due to the love you have for that person. Their happiness becomes your happiness.
In this, constantly be reminded that your time has so much potential. Every moment is a chance to show love to another person. I know, we absolutely cannot spend every minute focusing on loving others. However, I think that we are consistently presented with opportunities to do so. Therefore, recognize these opportunities, and let those moments live up to the potential of their value. God has packed each second with unimaginable potential. So, go find out just how much each one holds.
