Ever wonder what it would be like without a calendar? Time, along with age, would be arbitrary if it were not for weeks, months, and years. But God in His wisdom has given us a way to measure and plan the days He has granted us. How do we make the most of our time?

Each year we are given 400+ new beginnings: days (365), weeks (52), months (12), and seasons (4). January is logically when many people resolve to stop undesirable practices and begin wholesome ones. Researchers have found that, among those who made resolutions, 40 percent actually followed through after six months. They also found that how resolutions are framed can make a difference. Starting something new is regarded as being easier than breaking an old habit. For instance, let's say you resolve to do less binge-watching of streaming series. It's more likely you'll follow through with that if you make a book list and set aside the time for reading that you formerly used to sit in front of a screen.

With the Lord's help, we can set out to improve our daily lives physically, through nutrition and exercise; mentally/emotionally, through means such as a balanced social life, recreation, and beneficial hobbies; and spiritually, in ways including worship, fellowship, prayer, and Bible reading. Some suggestions to accomplish the latter are to post visible reminders - “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads (Deut 11:18) - and start with short, achievable objectives, such as completing a chapter a day, and gradually increase.

In Matthew 26, Jesus told the disciples to stay alert, warning them that "the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." We need to look to Him for strength. Failing to plan is planning to fail. The Holy Spirit is our Advocate. He is cheering us on. "Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23