Time

Judy Clock

What is this thing, called time?
7 days, 24 hrs a day, 60 mins an hour...that's 10,080 minutes a week!
(Anyone remember the Judy clock for learning to tell time? Yes, we still use those with kids today. Yes, I have to battle the analog vs. digital argument, but yes, learning to tell time the old fashioned way wins...at least in my classroom!)

Anyway...TIME

Where does it go?
It feels like time is rushing forward most days, other days it feels like the clock is stuttering, even moving backwards. Why are we so focused on either the next thing we have to do, or on rehashing the past?
(Often w/ anxiety, fear, and/or regret.)
But, why not the "now?"

Such a simple thing, the present, yet we avoid it or rush through it with lightening speed! Maybe it's because I'm on glorious mid-winter break and have the gift of time, but I am increasingly aware of the importance. The importance of being with, being present, in the now. Even if it's difficult. Don't get me wrong, I understand that we live busy, complicated lives in 2011. A lot is expected of us, life throws us things that unavoidably eat up our time. Many of these things or people are important and 100% worth it. However, we DO still have time. I am guilty of using the "no time" excuse over and over again...and not just in the art of learning to say no to adding more, but in avoidance. Avoidance of the present.

How many of you are with me?

Whether it's intentional or not we forget about the present, and often with it, what's most important.

Selah. 

This word is used in the scriptures, particularly in the psalms. I used to brush over it, never bothering to learn its meaning. Ironic, that it means to pause, and reflect. Take a moment to stop and process, allow our spirit to catch up with our frantic body and mind. Allow peace to reign. Listen to the quiet of our hearts, to the Lord, learn something about ourselves or the world in the moment. That goes for those that we are with as well. How often when on the phone with a friend, or in the car with your child or spouse, do we tune out and allow our thoughts to be fractured and distracted? Guilty. Be in the moment- really listen. It's surprising what you may discover.

If you're anything like me, Selah, does not come naturally. So join me, in practicing and training ourselves to choose to be in the moment more, to pause and reflect.

Selah.

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