Devotions for a Busy Business Person, no. 297 – An affluence of time

In business, we are accustomed to measuring affluence financially. Revenue, margins, liquidity, runway. Yet there is another form of wealth that is predictive of human flourishing, and far more elusive.

It is time affluence.  Behavioural scientist Cassie Mogilner Holmes uses the term ‘time affluence’ to describe the subjective sense of having enough time.

“Better a handful with tranquillity
than two handfuls with toil
and chasing after the wind.”
— Ecclesiastes 4:6

Time affluence refers not to having more hours in the day, but to the felt sense that there is enough time. Enough margin to live with presence rather than pressure, with discernment rather than reflex. 

Workaholics Anonymous has the following affirmations that speak to the affluence of time:

• The slower I go, the faster I go.
• I have time to spare and time to share. Time is my friend.
• When I take time, I make time,
• Before I do anything, I do nothing.

Scripture names this reality plainly.

“There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens.” — Ecclesiastes 3:1

From a Christian perspective, this should not surprise us. Time affluence is closely related to Sabbath, time received rather than seized; to margin, which you and I have reflected on before; and to creatureliness, the quiet acceptance that we are finite beings living within God’s time, not masters of it.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

Prayer

Lord, teach me to receive time as a gift.
Free me from false urgency and scattered attention.
Grant me the wisdom to do what truly matters,
and the courage to give it my best time.

Amen