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What do your evenings look like? Do you usually spend a few hours scrolling through your phone or texting with friends? I used to spend my nights plopping down in front of the TV with a bowl of Cheetos and a soda.
But over time, I made a commitment to use a part of my evenings to help my family and ministry. It took practice, but eventually, I began to maximize my time and do a lot of writing and Bible study prep at night.
Now I value—and use—my evenings that were wasted for so many years. I view my nighttime hours as being like icing on a cake.
It’s possible that before dinnertime, you’ve already finished most of your schoolwork (if not, here's help to not procrastinate!). So now it’s time for the fun to begin—your evenings (and weekends) become your time to shine! Let’s see how to maximize your time.
1. Evaluate your evenings—I recently heard the highest-paid sports agent in the world talk state that he plans his day in 20-minute increments. Do you know how you spend your evenings? Answering this question is an eye-opening exercise!
2. Plan your evenings—Here’s a tip: plan your evening early in the day. Why? Because by the time it rolls around, we’re too tired to put out the mental energy to even think about doing something useful! Try keeping a list of meaningful activities you can do at night, which is also a great way to not be bored. For example, you could wash a load of your clothes. You could do your nails. Organize your craft materials.
3. Prepare for your evenings—Before the sun goes down and you get too tired, set out the supplies you’ll need for your little bit of night work. If the family is going to watch TV, set up your work on a table. Art supplies? Check. Laptop? Check. Manicure kit? Check.
4. Use your evenings!—It’s great to evaluate, plan, and prepare, but ultimately you must use your evenings. And that calls for effort. The woman in Proverbs 31 “grasps the spindle with her fingers.” What do your hands reach for at night? Aim to make your evenings productive.
5. Use your mind in the evenings—Even if you’re doing dull, routine work, your mind can be active. With a little prompting, creative sparks can fly while your hands are busy. Whatever your no-brainer activity is, assign your brain a creative task. Or pray for others, or for God’s guidance on a decision. Or train yourself to dream!
One last thing … as you plan your evenings—plan to make it a great evening!
RESPOND
Dear Lord, please help me manage my minutes. I’d like to use my time wisely and in the best way. Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES 
Beautiful in God’s Eyes for Young Womenby Elizabeth George— Surround yourself with inspiring Bible verses and encouraging guidance to discover purpose and confidence you've only dreamed of having through this Bible study for teens!
REFLECT
What keeps you from being productive in the evening?
Read Proverbs 31, verse 13. What is this woman’s attitude toward work?
REMEMBER
One last thing … as you plan your evenings—plan to make it a great evening!
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Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
One of my favorite words in the English language is “bittersweet.” It’s sort of like the well-known announcement, “I’ve got good news and bad news. Which do you want first?” This picturesque term always reminds me that many occurrences in life fall simultaneously into the glad/sad category, bringing forth both emotions at once.