Time Control and the need for Deep Rest.

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.