Day 5: No Time for Yourself? How to Live with Eternity in View - October 3, 2025

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“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” — Colossians 3:2-4 

Time alone – it is a luxury, isn’t it?  I remember when my children were young, and I’d begin feeling like I needed time alone. If it didn’t seem like that would happen soon, I’d try to remind myself that one day I’d have plenty of time alone when they were grown.  For some reason, God kept that thought in my mind over the years, and it really helped me get through the harder days.  It reminded me that time was fleeting and my time with my kids was precious.   

Now that I am in the empty nest season, I have plenty of time.  And do you know what?  I enjoy it!  But I also miss the days when I didn’t have that much time alone.  I miss the conversations, the companionship, and having children to cook for.  I loved those days. Yes. I got tired and sometimes needed a break, but I loved the days when my family was all under one roof!  

Whether you are in the trenches of motherhood with children at home or you are in the empty nest season, we are called to make each moment count for eternity. The chaotic moments when you are serving the endless needs of your children and the quiet moments in the empty nest home are all gifts from God and meant for us to see through the eyes of the gospel.  

I have found, though, that even in my quiet home I experience interruptions. I still have laundry, meals, and a husband in and out of the house throughout the day.  I have phone calls, emails, texts, appointments, and work that needs to be done. There’s always something that needs our attention, no matter what stage of life we are in.  So, we must spend time in God’s Word and allow it to shift our gaze from the temporary to the eternal, from the earthly grind to the heavenly perspective. 

Our perspective changes when we begin to view what might seem like daily, mundane tasks through the lens of eternity. Every act of love, patience, and care matters. Even if it goes unnoticed or seems small, God sees it and will reward it. 

The Gospel and our moments

The gospel reminds us that our lives are not about comfort, free time, or personal satisfaction. They are about Christ. Jesus gave up comfort, ease, and individual rights to serve us, lay down His life, and accomplish the Father’s will. 

When we live with eternity in view, the daily sacrifices of motherhood interruptions, late nights, making meals, and being available all become part of a bigger purpose. Each time we choose to serve and love those in our home and use our time in a way that counts for eternity, we are partnering with God as he accomplishes his purpose in our lives and in the lives of our family. We are modeling Christlikeness to those around us.  

You may feel like your life is full of interruptions, but every interruption is a tool God uses to form you into His image. It’s important to remember that when we do have our alone time, we are still responsible for making it count for eternity.  

What Can We Do?

How can we live each day, regardless of our season of motherhood, with eternity in view? 

1. Remember that every moment counts. The daily tasks of life as a mom may seem ordinary, but God sees all of it as a part of his calling on our lives. When we are faithful and offer ourselves and our moments to Him, He is glorified. It counts for eternity.  
2. Soak your mind in Scripture. Read the word as often as you can. When my kids were young, I would keep devotionals and Bibles all over my house: in the bathroom, in my kitchen, by the side of my bed, on the coffee table. We must fight for that time in the world! Whether it’s 5 minutes, off and on throughout the day, or an hour in the morning when you wake up, please read it and be reminded that there is a bigger purpose in all you do.  Your labor is hidden in Christ and has eternal significance. 
3. Correct your perspective. Instead of focusing on what you may not have, notice what God has gifted you with:  Children in your home, purpose for each day, 30 minutes to rest or read while your baby naps, or 30 minutes of quiet to pray for your adult children.  
4. Talk with God throughout the day. Get into the habit of having conversations/prayers as you go about your day, like “Lord, thank you for what you have given me to do. Help me see this moment the way you see it.” This takes the mundane and turns it into ministry. 

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

1. How would your perspective change if you viewed these moments as having eternal significance? 
2. How can you remind yourself today that all you do is part of God’s purpose and work?
   
   

LET’S PRAY  

Lord, I confess that I often feel like I want more time for myself and forget to see my moments as a gift. Please help me see each moment and each responsibility from your perspective. Teach me to treasure each moment: the busy moments and the moments alone. Please help me see that both matter and need to be stewarded well. Please enable me to persevere and remind me that my life is hidden in You, eternal and secure.  Please help me to know how to use each moment in a way that counts for eternity. Amen. 

One more word of encouragement

Motherhood is a privilege and is overflowing with eternal significance; every act of love, patience, and service matters to God. In the chaos and the quiet, you are participating in His work. Your time, energy, and heart poured out are investments that echo into eternity. 

When life leaves little time for yourself, it’s easy to feel resentful or overlooked. But the gospel reminds us that nothing done in love is ever wasted. The hidden, ordinary work of motherhood is eternal.  

Remember: eternity is being sown into your present. Your small acts of love are not meaningless; they are sacred. 

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/aldomurillo

Gina Smith is a wife of 37 years, mom of 2, and grandma of 3. She is  a writer and author, writing her very first published book in her empty nest years. She has a passion to come alongside the younger generation to encourage them, strengthen them in God, and learn from them.  You can find Gina at her website www.ginalsmith.com, and her book Everyday Prayers for Joy can be found anywhere books are sold. 

Related Resource: Soft Words for Hard Days: A Conversation with Aundi Kolber

Some days feel heavy. Some moments leave us wondering how to keep going. If you’ve ever longed for encouragement amid life’s hardest moments, I have a special episode of The Love Offering for you. This week, I’m joined by therapist and bestselling author Aundi Kolber to discuss her latest book, Take What You Need: Soft Words for Hard Days. This beautiful collection of quotes, scriptures, prayers, and gentle exercises is designed to be a balm for your most tender places—a reminder that you are never alone on your journey to healing.

In our conversation, we explore:
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