Time
These “lazy days of summer” have turned my thoughts to time. Think with me for a few moments about time and its meaning to each of us. The word time can be used as a verb, noun or adjective. It can mean many different things including the measurement of clock or calendar time, the tempo or rhythm of music, a historical period or era, and an opportunity. In the New Testament the Greek word karios was often used to name a time important to God.
Each person operates according to her/his own inner timeclock. Some are morning persons, while others don’t reach their peak until after lunch. Age, health and circumstance of life give different perspectives on time. Children are often in conflict with time especially when adults determine how they should use it. Teenagers appear to lose track of time when they are on their phones or out with their friends. The young mother is hassled by the demands of her toddler and feels she has little time for herself. As one grows older, time becomes more precious and one must make choices of how to live the time one has.
Many people have very little time for themselves. We are pushed and pulled by the numerous demands on our time. We feel drained of emotion and energy. The need for solitude is crying out for scheduling into our busy calendars. Without time for ourselves our relationships with friends, family and co-workers will suffer. Without such time our souls will not be refreshed nor will we grow in our understanding of God and the Gospel. Time for oneself is essential for living!
The cycle of work and rest was ordained by God and confirmed in Jesus’ teaching that the Sabbath was made for us. It takes self-discipline to use the day for rest, leisure activities, worship and refreshing moments. Sabbath rest can expand our imaginations; open up new avenues of living; and provide us with a sense of joy and peace as we participate in this gift from God.
Do we feel God’s presence in our moments? Are we willing to see each moment as a kairos moment, a favorable or opportune time for God? Remember, all time is God’s time, and each moment we have is part of God’s gift to us and is Kairos time. God expects us to understand all time as “holy time” – for service to myself or to others, for praise and communion with God, and for love according to the example of Jesus, the Christ.
Joyce D. Sohl, Laywoman-in-Residence
Joyce D. Sohl has been Laywoman-in-Residence since 2009 as a full-time volunteer. She retired as CEO of United Methodist Women in 2004. She is the author of 4 books, a teacher, retreat leader, writer and non-professional musician. Here at the Center her work is in the area of Spirituality & the Arts with such programs as Tuesdays in the Chapel, Vespers & All That Jazz, Poet’s Corner, quarterly retreats, and art exhibits.