TIME
(a reflection by Willy Effinger)
Almost without notice, but ever so steadily, the present flows into the past, like a river into the sea. What is new today, no matter how modern and interesting it may be, will be old in due time.
Time, a creature of God, is a blessing for some of us and yet a curse for others. No matter how hard we may try, we cannot hold onto it; it disappears like fine sand between the fingers. It is truly a mystery and nobody can own it or slow it down.
The young feel that the world is theirs and that time is almost never-ending; they have lots of time to do what they like to do. Time can't move fast enough – children can't wait to start school like “the big kids”; teenagers can't wait to get their driver's license, have their first date or get a job so that they can drive their own car. While eagerly awaiting the fulfillment of their dreams, time seems to pass far too slowly.
One day, things begin to change. We realize that we need more time. We need more time to accomplish the things we desire; more time to live out our dreams; more time to change what we should have changed long ago. We begin to think: if only I had more time! If only I could start over again. With a new beginning, I could set straight all that went wrong. I could do more good in my life and make the world I live in a better place.
Then, out of nowhere, life throws a curve ball. At that moment, time seems to stand still as we wonder if this is reality or fantasy. Flashbacks of the past leave us unsure of our journey. The present creates a restlessness in our souls and the future – good grief, will I even have a future? Time seems to run away while our lives seem to stand still. Who is in control? Is it me or my surroundings? Am I living or dreaming? Time passes so quickly ... will I survive it? Who will I be when time is finished with me?
Time brings healing as it flows through the river of life ... or perhaps I should say we can be healed as life flows through time – if we allow it! A new and improved person can emerge. We definitely get older. Perhaps, we even get wiser. Hopefully, we get more understanding and compassionate. Time, a creature of Almighty God, can change the restless and impatient human being into the loving child of God he/she should have been from the beginning.
It seems to us that time passes much faster as we get older but with time, we can also become more loving, more appreciative of our surroundings, more accepting of all that crosses our path.
Eventually, Creator and creature will become one and time will stand still again. At that time, though, the creature will experience heavenly bliss for all eternity. Then, time will be no more!