Time (Updated from 12/20/15)

 

"But there never seems to be enough time

To do the things you want to do

Once you find them"

-- Jim Croce, "Time in a Bottle"

There never seems to be enough time.  Of course, you don't realize this when you're young.  I think the realization hits somewhere around the middle of your working life when you realize money can buy you everything, but you're still empty.  It's the point you admit, no amount of money can buy your way out of that feeling. This is the time you ask, "Is this all there is?"

And then, you're old. I am creeping up on that time.

Never enough time turns to fear of time running out.  You find yourself wondering if forgetting a name is the onset of Alzheimer's or just old-timers.  You silently pray you never lose your mind, because it seems to be the only true friend you've ever had.  The "silent prayer" would be your admission that God is becoming more and more important as your time here winds down.

Every morning brings a new ache, new reminders of your lifetime of bodily abuse.  Breakfast includes meds, aspirin, coffee, and an occasional dose of "Elijah Craig" when the pain just won't let up.  The face you see in the mirror is familiar, yet older.  The hair is becoming easier to brush as it disappears, and a few of us marvel that we still have all our teeth.

You find the questionnaire at the doctor's office humorous.  Name?  Uh... oh, yeah.  Sex?  Yes, please!  Married?  Not if I can help it.  How is your health?  I'm visiting a doctor, how good can it be?  Do you have muscle aches?  Do you drink alcohol?  Do you smoke? Do you get up at night to urinate?  I'm old, you moron; yes to all.  I like to visit older doctors who actually read these things and ask relevant questions, concerning my answers.  It makes me feel I haven't wasted some precious time better spent actually being seen by him.

I find my life, at this point, is more about walks on the beach and through the park.  I find these walks are more about talking with God and making my "shit" right with the Lord.  I find the Bible less important than the message, and the message so much less complicated than "holy" scripture tries to make it.  Love God, love yourself, and do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  

How can you elaborate on ten simple commandments enough to fill a book?  You come to realize, as you get older, that only man could complicate the simple word of God to such an extreme as to create a book of dubious attribution, questionable intent, and countless contradictions requiring even more explanation and interpretation.

"Time" is still misunderstood. Physicists try to understand it and philosophers try to explain it. Time continues to march on while we waste time on research into what and why. Even if we understood it, could we change it? I think not. Time is truly the gift of God... and the bane of our existence. Time is what we spend learning to be. Time is full of sadness, happiness, mistakes, failures, success, and realization. Time prepares us for what comes after. It reminds us of what went before. Time is something we learn to cherish. Time is a cruel taskmaster. Put time in a bottle? I found I don't have the time to waste on trying. I would rather spend time with you.

Take some time to think about time, and you might find your time is well spent.  Time is never really wasted and time is never lost.  Time, and again, we find the time to do what's right.  

Will we ever understand time?

Only time will tell.

"Time is not a fixed entity but rather a relative concept"

-- Albert Einstein

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch - it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either view any more right or wrong than the other. Opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form their own opinions, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint.

I fervently hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion in an arena of mutual respect concerning those opinions offered. After twenty-three years of military intelligence, I believe that engaging each other in this manner, and in this arena, is a way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience... and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. Following his service career, he spent 17 years working with the premier and world-renowned Western Institutional Review Board, helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. He also served 8 years on the Board of Directors for the Angela J. Bowen Foundation.

Ordained in 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As a weapon for his war on intolerance, he chose the pen. He wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's personal, spiritual path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony at: tolerantpastor@gmail.com