Self-Reliance
My Foundation: Use Time Wisely


“My Foundation: Use Time Wisely,” Personal Finances for Self-Reliance (2017), 90–91

“My Foundation: Use Time Wisely,” Personal Finances, 90–91

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My Foundation: Use Time Wisely—Maximum Time: 20 Minutes

Ponder:Why is time one of God’s greatest gifts?

Watch:“The Gift of Time,” available at srs.lds.org/videos. (No video? Read page 91.)

The Gift of Time

If you are unable to watch the video, choose roles and read this script.

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still from The Gift of Time

Kofi: Hello, Sister Benkosi. How are you?

Sister Benkosi: Are you okay, Kofi?

Kofi: Oh, Sister Benkosi. I’m so busy. I have to work and serve and help my family … and then my football too. I have no time!

Sister B.: Kofi, you have all the time there is.

Kofi: What?

Sister B.: My boy, God has given us a great gift—our time. We must do with it what matters most.

Kofi: But how, Sister Benkosi? You have always done so much. You have succeeded with your family, with your business. You have served and blessed many, like me. I don’t know how you do it.

Sister B.: Do you really want to know? If you will sit still and listen, I will tell you my secret.

Every morning I rise before the sun. I dress and wash my face and hands.

I read the scriptures. Then I make a list of what I should do that day.

I think of who I might serve. I pray to know God’s will. And I listen.

Sometimes the names or faces of people come to mind. I add them to my list.

Kofi: Is that how you always know just who needs your service?

Sister B.: Yes, Kofi. And I pray for strength and wisdom. I pray that God will “consecrate [my] performance.” It says that in 2 Nephi 32.

I thank Him. I promise to do my best. I ask that He will do what I cannot.

Then I look at my list. I put a 1 by the most important thing, then a 2.

Kofi: How do you know the priorities?

Sister B.: I listen when I pray! Then I go to work. I look at number 1 and try to do it first, then number 2.

Sometimes things change. The Holy Ghost tells me to do something else. That is good.

I work very hard, but I have peace. I know God will help me.

So, with my list and the Spirit, I do what matters, Kofi.

Kofi: That sounds simple and hard at the same time.

Sister B.: You are right! When I finally prepare for bed, I pray. I report to Heavenly Father. I tell Him how the day went. I ask questions. I ask what I can do better. I listen. I often feel His love. I know He magnifies what I try to do. Then I have peace, Kofi, and I sleep.

Kofi: That is good, Mamma Benkosi. I want this peace. I want to use my time. I want to work and serve better.

Back to page 90.

Discuss:What did you learn from Sister Benkosi?

Read:Alma 34:32 and the quote by President Brigham Young (on the right)

Commit:Commit to do the following actions during the week. Check the box when you complete each action:

  • Practice these steps every day to use your time more wisely. Report each night to Heavenly Father in your prayers.

  • Share what you’ve learned today about using time wisely with your family or friends.