An old family friend told me years ago that life is like a roll of toilet paper – the closer you get to the end, the faster it goes. I’m not sure that is the greatest analogy, but I certainly can’t find fault with the conclusion. I turn 76 next Saturday, so I am certainly closer to the end of the “roll” than its beginning and the last two months have flown by in the blink of an eye. Because of that, time has become a much more valuable part of my life and I want to share some thoughts with you about its value.
Our days are numbered in this life and we have no guarantee of tomorrow, so time has always been a valuable commodity that we too often take for granted. I have already lived longer than either of my parents. In our youth we even seek pursuits to “kill” time while waiting for a more pleasurable event. In my lifetime (so far), technology has relentlessly sought to “save” time. Cooking has moved from the pressure cooker and convection oven to the microwave; from TV dinners to a wide variety of heat and eat meals. Even restaurants that feature “fast” food become more and more popular. But what are we doing with that saved time? Daily time together around the table as a family has nearly disappeared in many homes.
Technology has also provided us with devices to give us instant information and communication. While they can be very helpful, they also can be a distraction from personal contact and communication with other people. It is no wonder that in this age of technology, studies show that young people find their lives empty and lonely even though they are in almost constant contact with many social media “friends”. There is no sadder scene to me than a group of people staring at their devises and ignoring others in the room with them.
We need to return to the concept of “quality” time. The most valuable gift we can give anyone is the gift of our time and undivided attention (quality time) and especially sharing our faith with them. Because we have a limited supply of time, when we give someone our time and attention, we are giving them a piece of our life that cannot be replaced. It is a gift that will mean the world to our spouse and our children and all those we love. Even taking time to reach out to a stranger in need is a gift they will never forget and neither will we, because there is no loneliness in a life of personal contact with others. I found myself alone when my wife died, but I am not lonely because I share my time and attention with so many great friends and even with you who are reading my blog right now.
I hope each of you experience the joy of sharing your time and undivided attention with those you love and who love you. There is nothing you could buy them that compares in value to giving them a piece of your life.