Why the Hurry?
Am I old or am I enlightened? Have I just learned my lessons from my mistakes? What am I missing? These are the questions I ask myself each time I wonder why people are in such a hurry. I used to pride myself on how I spent my time being busy. I still think it is good to be busy at work as long as that activity leads to productivity. There are too many who spend their busyness causing problems as they enjoy the powerful feeling of chaos they exact through manipulation. These people are easy to locate as their fellow employees quit while they go about their busybody way.
What I want to talk about is the time after work during which you are free to roam about the world. I have decided that there is no greater luxury than time. Time’s worth is greater than gold and cannot be created by man, so why not treat it like a treasure?
I love to drive my pickup or take a drive with my wife. What a freedom to have your own vehicle to drive where you wish. What I don’t understand is why people are in such a hurry when they drive. My pick-up is probably passed by other vehicles the most in any given period of time. I drive the speed limit, or much slower in the winter. I don’t know how many times I have been passed by another vehicle only to arrive at a major intersection or a common destiny at about the same time. The driver of this car subjects themselves to increased stress and increased danger as they hurry through that portion of their life and fail to appreciate the freedom of driving a vehicle. I know some people are late and believe they are making up time, but they are actually wasting this valuable resource.
Convenience store lines are long sometimes. I think most people have good manners and patiently wait their turn. I have turned this scenario into an observation of time. While I wait, I think about the things I appreciate and consider how good my coffee will taste after I pay for it. I also remind myself that I am on my own time and that I am on no timeclock.
Sitting still and being quiet is a gift you give to yourself. This is time for your mind to idle without load. It is time to listen for your creator’s voice or to allow your body to relax. It is time to nap or read or serve as base camp for a traveling cat or dog with no destination. Rest and relaxation are not an indulgence but rather a necessity, those who tell you otherwise do so in their own interest. People in this area are known for their work ethic, so I don’t think spending time idle equals idleness.
Being still is recognition of the gift of time. It is almost like saluting the seconds as they pass by. Use time as the gift it is while you recognize its source and honor it by giving your full attention. I think I have found my answers.
