Living in Debt with Our Time

Prophets have repeatedly taught us to stay out of debt with our money. Debt is a form of bondage, and interest has no mercy. Money (for most of us) is a limited resource and we get to choose how to spend it. However, once we are in debt, our ability to choose how to spend our money is diminished because it is already promised to someone else.

Time is another limited resource we all have. We each only have 24 hours a day to choose how to spend. As I do the daily, monotonous tasks demanded of me has a mother and homemaker, I have realized that some days I live in debt with my time.

For example, when I choose to not wash the dishes after a meal then I am choosing to not pay the time now in exchange for paying more time later. The interest is that the longer I wait, the more time it takes to wash the dishes due to the crusted on food. Also, payment often comes due at inconvenient times. Like dinner time when I need the dishes that are still dirty, and I don't have the time to clean them.

When I choose not to fold and put away fresh laundry, then I am agreeing to pay more time later. The interest in this case is wrinkled clothes that need extra attention.

Now, there will always be times when something important needs your time and you can't get to the dishes or laundry right away. The prophets have said that reasonable debt is okay for important things like buying a home and paying for your education. I would say the same is true for your time. Meaning, it's okay to put off the dishes when your child needs you, but maybe you shouldn't put it off for Netflix.

I have noticed that I feel happier and more in control of my time when I am not always putting things off to do later. I am far from perfect at it, but I have found it helpful to consider this question throughout the day:

"Am I living in debt with my time?"

Try it out and see what you think!