Time Control.
There are so many expressions we use
often about time aren’t there?
Here’s a few…
It went by in the blink of an eye. I just don’t have the time!
If only I had more time. It’s not worth my time!
How much longer will this take? Time is money!
Time heals all wounds. Just in the nick of time!
Wanna kill some time? I’ve got too much time on my hands.
Time flies when you’re having fun! If I could turn back time.
If I do this it will save me time! What do you do in your spare time?
With my first study term about to
conclude soon, it almost feels like time is flying by and more than ever, I know
I need to continue prioritising time for deep rest to enjoy this new chapter
and journey in my life.
Interestingly, I had a student tell me
recently in one of my art classes that scientists have measured time, and discovered
our days are getting shorter…that time is indeed going faster than ever! So
yes, I looked it up and this is what I’ve found via google. Shown below as my
screenshot:
I was a little shocked at learning
this however even if the amount is by half a millisecond, I think many of us
have felt our days going faster, and it’s not just with increased age. Even the
children often remark in my classes, saying how fast the days go, and I honestly
never remember my childhood being like that.
Everything seems faster today. Travel,
information, the spreading of diseases, connecting with others…
Oftentimes it can feel like everyone
is in a rush to get somewhere, or to do something…just what that is though it
seems is not easily communicated, it seems just the standard way of living now.
The phrase, “it’s a rat race” seems more fitting than ever at times. And, for
many this lifestyle and pace is idolised and held in high esteem…unfortunately
at the cost of wellbeing for too many. Many of us are aware mental health
issues are reportedly on the rise more than ever.
Time Control is indeed highly
desirable, if not more than ever!
I cannot help but think of the
infamous Dr Who series so many people adore…the eccentric time travelling
scientist, from the planet of the Time Lords. While Dr Who is not my personal
preference to watch, the plot is a fitting analogy into mankind’s desire to be
Lord over themselves and indeed time.
Yet, in all our efforts to schedule,
monetise, or control our time wisely, it seems for many, time becomes their
master, rather than the other way around. Just as the bible appropriately
asserts whatever we have as number one will indeed enslave us and become our
master…
Time. How often do we think, given
more time we will be happy? When we reach that goal. When we get to that
destination. When we get that new house. When we have enough money saved.
Around and around, we go on that running wheel, like a rodent in its cage.
In recent times I’ve heard stories of
wives finally achieving their wonderful trip around Australia, or their new
dream home, or “fill in the blank” only to then realise they’re not happy, and
leave the marriage, even walk out on their husband and children. In the past
this was something we associated with men having their “mid-life crisis”. While
I’m not saying either is right, I simply find it both interesting and sad. Why
is it people run their race of life, only to attain self-realisation after
achieving what they want, to discover they’re not happy?
Were they ever happy? Or were they
just so busy focusing on attaining, to stop and reflect upon the life they were
building along the way? Yet isn’t this “new fresh start” just another
achievement to attain in the vain quest of self-importance? Why isn’t one’s
family and children of enough value?
When did the destination become
greater than the journey?
Why did taking the time to just be and
do nothing become dispensable?
Why did individual worth become so
tied up with owing a house, running a business, taking an overseas trip,
wearing designer clothes, driving a sports car, attending the right school,
having a title, or degree?
Why do so many of us struggle to just
be still – loving ourselves and those around us simply as we are today?
Less can indeed be so much more, and
quality of relationships will always trump a quantity of superficial shallow
acquaintances.
We need time out.
And we need time out before it’s too
late!
We need time to do nothing but rest.
We must allow our minds to truly switch-off and experience real, deep rest. We
need to relax and just be present with ourselves first, and others second. And time out includes doing things such as spiritual or religious practices.
It’s good to have a goal or two, but
if we can’t relax and enjoy the journey along the way we will burn out. And
sadly, on the way to burn out people often ruin the relationships with people
they truly need in their lives. Constant strain takes a toll on the mental wellbeing
of the individual and those close to them. Yet with each new day a new
opportunity comes to live differently.
Indeed as Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 states, “For everything there is a season, A time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.”
We need to steward our time and
self-care which involves saying no and taking time out.
There is much worth to living a
tranquil and quiet life in godliness and honesty as Paul assured Timothy in his
epistle, 1 Tim 2:2. Taking time was also exemplified by Jesus who did not rush
into ministry even though at age twelve he was clearly a theological prodigy,
he took time out and met the Samaritan woman at the well, he was considered
late when Lazarus was dying, he took time to eat and drink with sinners, and Jesus
took time out and fell asleep at the back of the boat! Jesus did not rush and
yet He was always where He was supposed to be, and loving people as He journeyed
through this life. The best person in all of time did not rush. His heart was
for His Father in heaven and others, not himself or his idea of time.
So take time out to do nothing. Spend
time doing things which nurture your soul and ease your mind – it’s okay. Give
yourself time to breath and embrace the life you have – stop looking for the
next new or perceived next best thing, as you may indeed suffer ‘buyer’s regret’.
In peace, Melanie.
