“You always know when you’re doing something for the first time. But you never know when you’re doing something for the last time.” I recently heard this from a dad’s wedding speech. In marriage (and life) we should try and cherish every moment. Here’s what I try to remember about my time. #1 It is short. Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise (Eph. 5:15). Wake up and recognize how you’re living. Life is here now and gone in an instant. Happy Monday, right? I usually don’t need more time. Instead, I find myself making unwise choices with my time. How about you? Ever notice yourself watching the third replay of SportsCenter while you’re in the same room with your kid. Call it what it is—an unwise use of time. #2 Count it daily. making the best use of the time, because the days are evil (Eph. 5:16). Be present. You make the most of your time by giving the person you’re with unhurried attention. Count your days by noticing/resisting the stuff and people who steal your time from godly priorities. #3 Use it wisely. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is (Eph. 5:17). God’s will is that you walk/talk in a way that a watching world sees how you live and wants the God you follow. Knowing God’s will means you’ll look a lot like Jesus.

PRAY WITHOUT CEASING: 10 BIBLE VERSES ON PRAYING OFTEN. Prayer, put simply, is a conversation with God. But it is also so much more than that. It is a lifeline for our souls. A connection to the very One Who breathed life into us. If we want to know Who God is and the secrets to life that only He has, we must learn to pray without ceasing.

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY: In a world obsessed with collecting more stuff, it’s easy to forget that our most priceless commodity is time. We can always make more money; but once a moment passes, we can never get it back. That’s why the Bible puts so much emphasis on taking advantage of every second of every day. Whether it’s as a husband, dad, friend, or Christ follower, wasted time is a wasted opportunity. We need to invest in those opportunities God provides before they’re gone for good.

The last time? Imagine today is your last time doing the dishes (or whatever chore you hate). Before you say, “Great, where do I sign up?” Think about how you’d do the dishes differently. Would you toss plates on the floor, leaving them broken for the next morning? Or would you take your time, maybe play some worship music as you polish the glasses one last time? Instead of chores, how would that date with your wife or that hug from your son before bed be different? Treat your time like the treasure it is, and make the most of it today.