
My dad was getting ready to leave for several weeks and the thought of him being gone so long was devastating to my 7 year old son, Cason. He could not fathom being separated from his "best buddy" for what seemed like an eternity. Cason looked up at my dad as he was walking out the door and said, "Papa, I was talkin' to "time" this morning and asked it to please hurry up so you would be home soon!!" Then he hung his head down and said, "but time never listens to me." Time definitely marches on whether we want it to hurry up or slow down.
I hate the fact that my birthday cake requires 2 packs of candles. And I'm not thrilled about holding the menu at a restaurant 3 feet from my eyes in order to read it (so glad most of them have pictures). And yes, I even watch the History channel - for fun!!! I have so become my parents. Two nights ago I was watching a documentary about the Titanic (on the History channel of course). My son got involved in the program with me and asked if I was on that ship. He's still grounded. I'll go put some more bread and water by his door in about an hour.
Why does "time" seem like the enemy. Is it because we have so much left to do and most of us would like to have accomplished more by now?
I am learning though, to view "time" from a different perspective. I have survived many storms in my life (physical, mental, spiritual). I realize now that "time" was my friend because as it continued to plunge forward, I followed it through to the other side of those storms. Without "time" there is no future, no growth, no past to cherish and learn from. I love this quote -- "We must use time as a tool not a crutch" (John F. Kennedy) Have you ever heard people blame their present circumstances on where they came from or who mistreated them? I have. I've even been guilty of doing it myself. Bet you have too. We lose valuable, irreplaceable time by dwelling on a past that can't be changed. However, as long as there is breath in your body, you do have the ability to change where you are headed.
We've all heard this phrase - nothing lasts forever. Why does this sound like a negative statement? It's not. This means that my troubles will soon be over and that my sickness is going to end and the pain will stop. This means that my past mistakes and failures can be corrected and forgiven. This means that even though my children are growing up and I miss them being little that I can enjoy the next stage of their lives. This means that as my hair turns gray and arthritis sets in that I can find peace and joy through the wisdom and experience I've acquired through this journey of "time." But even then, I'm not done. Because then I'm expected to share what I've learned to the young so they can make the most of their "time" on this earth.
We have all been handed a certain amount of this precious commodity we call "time." Allow it to work for you, not against you. I am learning to love "time" because it is all about "fresh starts," "new mercies," and "healing." Time is not partial or prejudice. It cannot be bought, persuaded, or stolen. It is a gift, not a curse. What I determine to do with my time today, determines my tomorrow. We all have that advantage because "time" offers it to everyone.
Enjoy today,
Karen
THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO VOTED FOR DARYL AS SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR. THE AWARD WAS QUITE AN HONOR!!!
Karen Williams
Daryl Williams Trio
http://www.darylwilliamstrio.net
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