I really like playing strategy games (Settlers and Ticket to Ride are my favorites). My wife likes to play too, but her tolerance is rather low for players taking too long on their turn. She’s been known to say, after I took too long for a move, “Well, there’s ten minutes of my life that I will never get back.”

You have probably said something similar, like when walking out of a boring movie. We know when we’ve wasted a chunk of time, whether that time be devoted to entertainment, work or a household chore. The realization that we threw time down the drain is no fun…and that leads me to December.

December is so crazy for us. We attend parties, buy gifts, plan trips, work fast to prepare for time away and see relatives from years gone by. It can be dizzying. And it can be gone before we knew what hit us.  When New Years Day comes, we say, “Wow, there is a month of my life that I will never get back.” Then we make resolutions to do better.

I have been struck with this thought: “December is still a WHOLE month.”It is thirty-one days. One-twelfth of our year. So the last thing we should do is waste it.

Make a commitment now that you will max it out. Do not slight your employer and those who benefit from your best work. Give your very best to your quiet time with God. Engage fully with your family, church and friends. Serve those around you. Choose entertainment that will relax and renew your spirit.

Do not waste this month. Give it your best. Honor God this month, and everyone, including you, will be better for it.