Time Is Holy
“Where has all the time gone?” “I wish I had more time to do what I want to do.” “What time is it?” “Now is the time to . . .” Questions and comments about time are a part of our daily conversations and thoughts. 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 to speak out for justice and peace. In the Greek New Testament the word Kairos was often used to name a time important to God.
Each of us operates according to our own inner timeclock. Some of us are best in the morning, some become livable by noon, while others have more energy in the evening hours. Age, health and circumstances also influence our timeclocks. Children are often in conflict with time; teens can lose track of time when on their phones or social media; and many adults feel hassled by so many demands on their time from work and home. Patience is needed when dealing with each other around this basic issue of time.
We live in a fast pace society. Many people have very little time for themselves. We all are pushed and pulled by the numerous demands on our time – families, work, friends, community organizations school, church, etc. 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 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. Too many in our society rarely observe the Sabbath. It takes self- discipline to use the day for rest, leisure activities, worship and refreshing moments. Sabbath observance can take the form of short breaks through out any day; a ½ day time alone; a whole day apart; or even week-long retreats as well as Sunday observances. Sabbath rest can expand our imaginations; open up new avenues of living; and provide 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 that 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 self or 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.