A famous story exists about two sisters, where one accuses the other of wasting time visiting with their wise master, leaving all the work to the other sister. The wise one declared that this one has chosen what’s most important and won’t have that taken from her.
I think of this story often when I’m unsure how I need/should/want to spend my time. Am I choosing “right?” Am I doing what needs to be done? Am I ignoring what I really want? Am I making exceptions to my usual schedule when possible to take advantage of time-sensitive
opportunities that appeal to me? Am I putting first things first?
Today, my thoughts are about watching the eclipse longer than the seven minutes or so of totality. (When you read this, it will have already happened). But
the same dialogue happens when I look at my schedule and wonder if I can make time to get on my paddle board, walk at the park, or book a float tank visit.
My inner taskmaster says, “I don’t have time for that. I’ve seen
it before. I need to write my blog, do taxes and laundry, sand chairs and pack.”
Oh, the list goes on and on—today and often—with all the reasons I should not give myself leisure time and HAVE FUN. I was once
introduced to the phrase "funarexic" by someone else who struggles to prioritize "non-productive" time. Fun is actually very productive!
We will not lay on our deathbeds and wish we had worked more. From my deathbed, will
I wish that I had used the time today to gather with friends and family to watch this momentous occasion that will not occur for another twenty years? Will my future self be glad that I had revered this glorious wonder?
Or will I be glad that I spent those critical moments working, saying it doesn't matter, or offering up any of the other excuses I can think of, despite an inner crying to sit and watch the majesty of the heavens unfold in the sky?
It’s amazing how we can justify just about anything. Guilt, shame and perfectionism are great tools of rationalization. If we're not careful, those wayward thoughts will move us far from our internal compass and the desires of our hearts.
On any given day, with enough attention to intention, we will know what's most important to us and how to appoint our time. Because there’s always more work. There's always more laundry. There's always more fill in the blank.
In this day, moment, week, or season of life, where does your time need to go? What is most important right now? Do you sense avoidance happening? Do you feel guilty about using the time the way you want to?
Imagine if five years flew by in the next two minutes. Will you be regretful, based on the decisions you’ve been making to do or not do something? What will you wish you had persisted in? What will you wish you had not given up on?
Stay the course, tune into your spirit, silence the doubt and the nagging voice it should be some way other than how it is or how it was.
Remember that, “This
too shall pass” isn’t only talking about hard times. All time passes. Are you utilizing your time in a way that's congruent with your heart and your deeper knowing? May we all make friends with time.
PS I made a
good choice! The sky was overcast much of the morning, so I had given up on getting eclipse glasses. When I came out of the grocery store, the sky had cleared just enough and I was able to capture this photo and several amazing videos at 15x speed. Make sure you look for the tiny crescent reflection at the bottom. I stayed in the grocery store parking lot with lots of folks for nearly an hour. Heart-ful. Amen.
