Time is of the Essence

"Excuse me. Do you know what time it is?" How many times have you asked that question today? If you didn't ask it, then did you ask this question: "I get to go home in 2 hours. I can't wait for the work day to be over." No? How about this question: "I don't have enough time in the day to do everything! There's too much to do without time at my disposal." Am I asking the right questions?

I will be the first to admit that I ask the first question multiple times per day, I used to ask the second question, and occasionally mutter then third question. It seems normal to focus on time. The USA is a time driven culture. I must wake up on time, leave on time, arrive 10-15 minutes early to be on time, arriving at the start of a meeting means I am late, and arriving late simply isn't an option. Children are on time schedules, students attend and leave school at certain times each day, and people are given schedules at work that display what time they start their shifts and the time the shifts end. As you can see, it's not difficult to see why the questions I stated above are asked.

On Tuesday, I was talking with a person I've met a few times. He and I were discussing how valuable life is and to never lose sight of the things that matter most. I asked him what matters most. He gave me his answers, and most answers sounded standard. However, an answer he gave was one I did not expect to hear. The last word he said was time. Time? That's not a common answer people give. Here was his explanation: "If you wish time away, then you lose out on everything you could experience. Wishing time away means wishing away years of youth, freedom, and spending less time with loved ones. It means you have one less day to learn, one less day to seize the moment, and one less day to to help other people. Time is something I never wish away. Each day is a blessing and I am honored to be here today."

His words were pure and angelic. I spent less than 3 hours with this person and I got more than I bargained for that day. He taught me a valuable lesson. Life is too precious to take for granted. There are some days that are better than others, but each day deserves to exist. Each day makes me who I am and it teaches me something new. What better way to learn than experience life?! Before I leave, I want to leave you with a final thought: Regardless of how your day goes, find the blessings that happen each day. Each day presents new experiences. Without them, you cannot grow and go on to share your stories of trials and triumphs. When you experience life without watching the clock go by, you will gain a deeper understanding of what matters most and you will live in the moment, every day.