Today we get to experience an event that only comes around once every four years. We are receiving one precious extra day in honor of Leap Year. A few days ago, I found myself talking with co-workers about what I would do with the extra day. They all know me pretty well and assumed I would fill it with triathlon training. Either that or take a day and let my body rest from all the abuse I put it through with swimming, cycling and running.

I don’t know about you, but I often find myself saying to friends and training partners, “I would love to do a core strength class,” or “I need to stretch more, but I need more than 24 hours in my day.” There just never seems to be enough time! But here’s the deal: We are all given the same 24 hours per day, and time does not discriminate. This year, during my Leap Day conversations, I was reminded of Psalm 84:10 (above) and convicted about how I’ve been spending my time. How much time do I spend focusing on the Lord and His presence instead of trying to fill up the hours with personal advancement? I’m starting to realize that it is better to have just one day with God in His presence worshiping Him than it is to have a thousand extra days focused on the world or other self-focused endeavors.

This year, on our “extra credit” day, I’m focusing on God and His glory. Better is one day in His courts than a thousand elsewhere!