Time

As one year winds down and the next is racing in, in a quiet place, simply being aware of God’s presence, I am often presented with a single word that touches my heart and I am left with the task of discerning its relevance for me and how to allow that to impact my year. My word for 2023 is Time.

Time as a noun, verb or an adjective? So many ways to think about this. Several phrases come to mind, Time Is of the Essence, Time Is Money, Too Much Time On My Hands, Where Did The Time Go? A New York Minute implies time flashed by but if someone says, “It’s been a minute since I’ve seen you” that’s implying a lot of time has passed. When I was in high school my races were timed and I always wanted to improve my times. Thinking about all this is certainly timely, it being January and the start of a new year.

This word is relevant for me this year because I need the gentle reminder that time is a valuable commodity, something not to waste because time marches on. As time goes by things around us inevitably change, sometimes for the better sometimes not. Time allows us the opportunity to construct and then at some point time’s passage gradually erodes. That reflection is not intended to be a downer, NO. Instead, it is a reminder to appreciate the changes. Sometimes when a stone is eroded, its inner beauty is easier to see. So, my hope for 2023 is that my use of time is intentional and not used carelessly. It is easy for me to fall into the mistaken habit to think that time is unlimited, that tomorrow will be like today, that it is guaranteed. In 2022, motivated by the milestone birthday year, I started this blog and set public goals. I felt as if my plans were more directed having stated goals in place. Having accountability probably was the biggest factor. In 2023 I will embrace time as a cherished friend, not to be taken for granted.

The above Eight Day clock set on Grams’ mantel a very long time ago, in a house once located on 17th Street in Anderson. The house itself is gone now…time marches on, but the memories made in that house over many generations live on. This clock, in its current home, is a constant reminder of the passage of time, and the importance of treasuring the old memories and of creating new ones.