A few days ago, an extra second was added to “Coordinated Universal Time” in order to synchronize atomic clocks with astronomical time. Apparently, the earth’s rotation around its axis is not very constant. Every now and again, an adjustment is required to make the “clocks” match the earth’s movement. Since 1972, they have added some 25 seconds to the atomic clocks.

Wow! We just got some extra time! How shall we use it?

Using time wisely is a common theme in our Bibles. Paul told the Ephesians to “make the best use of time, because the days are evil.” And he added, “look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise.”

We all complain about not having enough hours in a day. But the real problem isn’t the number of hours, but how we use what we do have. Just for fun this week, take a dispassionate look at your calendar. It may be in a blackberry or kept on your phone or it may be on the back of your refrigerator.

Ask some hard questions like, how much sleep am I getting? (Experts say an active adult needs at least 7 hours.) How much time do I really spend with the Lord? (Murmuring breath prayers on the freeway doesn’t count.) How much time do I invest in really listening to my family? (Statistics suggest that it may be no more than 7 minutes a week.)

How pervasive is social media in your life? It isn’t evil in and of itself, but if the time commitment is disproportionate to the more important tasks, it may be time to cut it back.

How much time are we investing in our dearest friendships? Is a dinner together an imposition or a delight?

What do we do with our “down” time? Are we investing in our spiritual growth? Are we adding to our knowledge base? Are we learning and growing or just “watching TV?”

Truth is we all could probably echo the words of the psalmist: Lord, “teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)

Maybe the adage this week ought to be: First things first!

Meaningful time with the Lord. CHECK. Attentive time with my spouse and family. CHECK. Plenty of sleep. CHECK. An investment in friends. CHECK.

And then, we can use those extra 25 seconds on a televised ball game!