Often when youth are gathered together and I am fortunate to be among them, I will hear, "I don't have enough TIME," and "there aren't enough hours in the day." Also I hear "I can't seem to get anything completed on time."

While listening to this my mind reverts to an earlier conversation within the same group in which I heard conversations about internet chatting until 1 am, too many extracurricular school activities, "shopping until you drop", and "just hanging out."

Whatever happened to quality TIME? I think youth need this more than anyone. Being preoccupied with church, family, school, friends and perhaps a job can certainly require being capable of managing TIME. It is actually at this stage of life that time management itself is learned. I am quite sure the tasks of young adulthood demand this.

TIME is so important that the first of seven Beatitudes in Revelation incorporates its measurement. Revelation 1:3 states, "Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it, for the TIME is near." TIME can signify a decisive moment. A period of TIME can indicate fulfillment.

There are three types of TIME. TIME can be projected as future, past, and present. We will explore TIME management with these projections in mind. As you read further, examine your past use of TIME, look at your current use of TIME, and set goals for your future TIME management.

Youth who utilize their TIME efficiently generally experience much less stress than those who do not. Those young adults who manage TIME well, will have less stress related to their family life, future jobs, and social activities.

How do you begin to manage your TIME wisely? Establish an order of priority for yourself. Make a list of tasks that are a must when there seems to be too much to do and you become overwhelmed. Complete your list of tasks before diverting your attention to something that is not on your list.

Learn to say "no" to potential disruptions. When you are on the computer researching a homework assignment do not allow IM's (instant messages) to sidetrack you. Simply say, "I will get back to you later, I am studying."

Try to avoid rushing from task to task. Complete a task entirely and receive pleasure from a task well completed. A task completed produces a sense of well-being.

Control demands of others. Very few youth are able to meet all the requests of others. One cannot talk to everyone on the phone, chat with everyone on the internet, and be a "best friend" to the world. Talk briefly on the phone or the internet. Say "hello", convey your message, and avoid idle conversation. Choose your friends wisely. A good friend will not make unreasonable demands of your TIME.

Learn to recognize which requests can realistically be met. There will always be the impossible request. Simply say, "I am sorry, I cannot meet this request." Let yourself and the one making the impossible request know from the beginning the request will not be followed through. Also, there will always be the request that is negotiable.

TIME blockage is a TIME management technique in which an individual has set aside a specific period of TIME to focus on specific goals. These goals may vary from service to the Church, to homework, studying for a final exam, to reading a long-awaited religious book. TIME blockage reduces the sense of TIME urgency often felt by youth.

Blocked TIME uses TIME and resources more effectively because the youth's level of anxiety is ultimately reduced. Satisfaction can be derived from completing projects on schedule with blocked TIME. Much needed "quiet" TIME for oneself can also be realized with planned TIME blockage.

I would like to encourage each and every one of you to examine your use of TIME. Are you satisfied with your TIME management? Do you ever take the TIME to observe the gift of creation and all its majestic colors within a sunset? Or are you busy chatting on the computer? Do you take TIME to pray the beautiful prayers of the Agpeya? Or were you busy talking about others on the telephone? Do you experience pleasure and laughter with daily activities? Or are you criticizing your circumstances due to lack of TIME?

Only you can examine yourself. Only you can manage your TIME wisely. Recently I read a message by our beloved Pope Kirolos "To the Students." It really touched my heart and I would like to close with his message:

To The Students

When you wake up in the morning,
Make the sign of the Cross and say The Lord's Prayer.
Say a beautiful Psalm.
Thank the Lord for keeping you safe the night before
And bringing you to this morning.
Ask Him for what you need.
Go kiss your parents' hands, pray the Lord's Prayer.
Pray any special prayer you would like to say.
Then get dressed and read a chapter from the Bible.
Go to your school in peace after you ask your parents blessing.
On your way say, "Lord Jesus Christ keep me in peace.
Lord Jesus Christ spare me."
When you enter your classroom, make the sign of the Cross.
Say, "Lord Jesus Christ give me understanding and wisdom."
Ask from your heart when you face a difficult question and
He will give you understanding.
During free time, be aware of bad company
For it spoils good people.
Do not engage in useless conversation.
When you leave school
REMEMBER TIME IS GOLD.
Always make quiet time especially if your parents are present.
Be obedient in everything.
For the sons of obedience are blessed.
Do not tell lies for liars are the sons of the devil.
Do not swear, get angry, or curse.
It is my prayer that you will always apply these things to your life.