Lately, my dad has been having significant health challenges, which have caused me to reflect deeply. Not just about him, but about myself—and the way I’ve been leading my own life.

If someone asked me to name the three most important things in my life, I’d answer without hesitation:
Faith, family, and friends.

If I could add a fourth, it would be health, because taking care of myself enables me to maximize the time I enjoy with the other three.

But here’s the uncomfortable part: When I look back over the years—and especially at my calendar throughout my career—those priorities weren’t always reflected in how I spent my time.

⏰ What Does Your Calendar Say?

If someone had only my calendar to go by, they might assume my career was my number one priority.

Don’t get me wrong—I needed to work, just like most people do. Providing for my family was (and still is) important. And I took pride in doing my job well. But somewhere along the line, “doing it well” sometimes meant doing it endlessly. Logging hours that were never paid. Missing time with family to meet deadlines. Travelling to meet with clients I didn’t particularly like instead of connecting with friends I love. Mentally staying at work even after I left the office.

All in the nebulous pursuit of success—just to get ahead.

And now, as I get closer to the end of my full-time career, I find myself wondering: Was all of that extra time worth it?

🔄 Rethinking the Balance

Work has its place—it’s honorable and often necessary. But even Scripture reminds us that there is a time for everything:

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)

The question is: Did I reserve the best of my time—and energy—for what I claim matters most?

And am I doing that now?

I’ve certainly improved, but I’m not confident that I am where I want to be yet.

Similarly, for too long, I allowed my career to disrupt my health. I was overweight and overstressed. Thankfully, I took control of it several years ago, and now I make fitness a priority regardless of how busy I am at work.

🙏 Faith First?

Many people would likely list family and friends as top priorities. That makes sense—we’re wired for connection and community.

But what about faith?

Many of us say that God is important, but does our daily life reflect that belief? It’s one thing to talk about faith—it’s another to live it as your first priority. Jesus said:

Too often, we try to fit faith into our schedules—rather than letting faith shape our schedules.

And yet, when faith is prioritized—when God is first—everything else seems to fall into its proper place. We gain peace. We find purpose. We become better parents, better friends, better people.

The Eternal Aspect

There’s another element of faith relevant to family and friends. For those of us who are followers of Christ, I believe we will be reunited with loved ones who are also believers. And if we love the time we get to spend with them now, imagine what it will be like to be together—unhurried—in paradise, with no bitterness, jealousy, or deadlines.

Of course, this isn’t the only reason to have faith in Jesus—there are countless other blessings associated with a relationship with Jesus—but it’s another good one to add to the list.

As Paul pointed out in his letter to the church in Rome:

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.

Romans 5:1-2 (NIV)

🧠 What Will You Remember?

As I think about the years ahead, I realize that the time I spent on work will fade from memory.
But I’ll remember the hikes with my kids, the dinners with friends, the quiet walks with God as I start my days. And I’ll appreciate the benefits of improving my health.

Those things will last longer than titles, longer than the stuff I’ve acquired over the years, longer than the impact I’ve made on clients, companies, or coworkers.

So here’s the question for you—and for me: Does the way we spend our time match the list of what we say matters most?

If not, it’s not too late to recalibrate.

Start small. Start now. Start with one thing that reflects your true priorities—and build from there.

✨ Call to Action:
What’s one small change you can make today that better reflects your true priorities?
Don’t wait for the perfect season. Start now—with one step of intentional living.