While a missionary, I spent a lot of effort trying to convince others to do things I knew would benefit them. Many times this convincing consisted of extending and following up on simple invitations for them to commit to doing things that would allow them greater access to God and the peace He promises, "not as the world giveth." (John 14: 27)
These invitations usually went something like this:
"Will you read the Book of Mormon every day?" "Will you pray every day?" Will you attend church with us every week?"
It amazed me how difficult these simple actions turned out to be for so many.
Ranked just one notch above outright refusal, I'd often hear, "I'll try."
I'd think, "Really? You'll try?"
Usually, I'd politely point out that's not what I had asked them.
Above that on the stack of excuses was the real killer:
"I didn't have time."
Me:
"I beg your pardon. Did you... you said...... I'm sorry...?"
My brain would just throw up an error message: 404—Page Not Found. That's all I could think in these moments.
After enough of these encounters, I learned how to move forward with life after such a paralyzing smack upside my head. Once I got hold of myself, I learned to ask, "Well, what is something you do every day? Anything."
Them:
Have no fear, I'd swiftly help them clear their mental 404—Page Not Found error with a few prompting questions.
"Okay, how about eating, do you eat every day?"
Alright...
"What about television? How much time do you spend watching TV every day?"
"Movies, video games, social media scrolling, sleeping...?"
Ah, we've found some time! It was right there the whole time!
Even when we're busy, it's totally false that we "don't have time." We all get the same 24 hours in a day. Since we can't make more time, we have to make decisions about our time. If we "don't have time" for something we know is worthwhile, we might have to give up doing less important things that are using up our finite time resources.
As I've applied this lesson to myself, I've grown in my ability to use time efficiently and effectively.
You got this. You've got the time, I promise.
Use it wisely. Improve it. (Alma 34: 30-35)