Not time-management techniques

As a parent, I am always looking for ways to be more efficient with my time in order to accomplish all the things that I want to accomplish. As such, it is tempting to think that time-management is the key to a well-balanced life. I received this wonderful reminder in the mail this past week that while time management is important, it is not the answer:

"Being enthralled, engrossed, captivated by someone or something has a powerful clarifying effect on our priorities. We make time for what we are passionate about and we neglect what is less important. We can be tempted to think that the right time-management technique is the answer to a well balanced life and getting the important things done. But it's not true. Techniques may increase our efficiency, but they can't determine our priorities. The heart does that." (Jon Bloom, Executive Director of Desiring God)

That is why the Scriptures say:

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. (Proverbs 4:23)

When our heart is directed to Christ, not only will our priorities be right, but even time-management will fall into place, because we will manage our time for the sake of our great end, and not merely in order to get more stuff done in each 24 hour period.