Time is a precious commodity reflects Offaly influencer

There are so many things we value these days especially in these days of the coronavirus and war in Ukraine and in 36 other  places of unrest around our  world, and, because we live in such a superficial world at times, money is often seen as the most important thing.

But, there is actually something much more important that money, and that is "time". This is something you can never get back once it is gone, and it’s the one thing that can’t be stopped or changed. Your time should be the most important commodity you have and don’t ever forget that.  There is nothing shorter than time, but there is nothing more valuable because the past is no more, the future is uncertain, and the present is but a moment.

Over the two years of the dreaded Coronavirus and  now after two weeks of war in Ukraine where  I am working at the moment, I’ve witnessed the untimely death of some very close family members and long-time friends as well as major health crises that could have resulted in the loss of others and now observing the many deaths in Ukraine because  of this David v Goliath war.

It’s had me considering more and more the value of time, and the importance of cherishing our days. During a zoom talk I attended a while back during lockdown, the presenter asked me a question: “What is the most precious commodity you possess?” Before I answered, he shouted: “time!” I came to the conclusion he was right. With the gift of time, I can choose how to spend my life or my day, I can give another person time and listen to what they wish to say, or simply be with another person. Life changes constantly. Actually life goes by so quickly sometimes you don’t even notice all the changes that have been happening.

Once a moment has passed, it is gone forever except in our memories. Cherishing moments as they happen will not only help you feel thankful for life, but also help you to have a more positive and happy outlook. At the end of your life, you don’t want to regret all the things you didn’t attempt. Nothing hurts or stings worse than regret, both of things we shouldn’t have done or things we should have done, but didn’t do. I’m sure you can think of a few times in your life that you regret and those experiences are usually never far from your mind. Every moment is unique. We get one life experience and only one shot at life.  The value of life is priceless. No two lives are exactly the same because no two people are exactly the same. Every person is unique and since every minute of life is unique, we have the opportunity to cherish them all. You see, life is a beautiful gift. No amount of money can buy anyone another life.

Therefore, life is a beautiful gift that we should always cherish. Your life could end at any moment. None of us know when we are going to die. Therefore, it is important that we don’t procrastinate cherishing every moment in our life. Most of our time in life is used for reflections on what has happened in the past and in anticipating the future. Focusing on the past or on the future keeps us from living in the present, from living the gift of the present moment that is ours to enjoy and appreciate. A story on “time” illustrating the sacrament of the present moment might help us to reflect on how we use our time during this journey of life.

The Thousand Marbles

This story is about two men Pat and Niall having a chat about their perspectives on their own priorities in life. “Well, Niall, it sure sounds like you’re busy with your job. I’m sure they pay you well but it’s a shame you have to be away from home and your family so much. Hard to believe a young fellow should have to work 60 or 70 hours a week to make ends meet. Too bad you missed your daughter’s dance recital. “Let me tell you something Niall, something that has helped me keep a good perspective on my own priorities.” And that’s when he began to explain his theory of a “thousand marbles”. “You see,” said Pat, “I sat down one day and did a little arithmetic.

The average person lives about 75 years. Now then, I multiplied 75 times 52 and I came up with 3,900, which is the number of Saturdays that the average person has in their entire lifetime. Now stick with me Niall, I’m getting to the important part. “It took me until I was 55 years old to think about all this in any detail and, by that time, I had lived through over 2,800 Saturdays. I got to thinking that if I lived to be 75, I only had about 1,000 of them left to enjoy. So I went to a toy store and bought every single marble they had. I took them home and put them inside of a large, clear plastic container right here in the shed next to my gear.

Every Saturday since then, I have taken one marble out and thrown it away. I found that by watching the marbles diminish, I focused more on the really important things in life. There is nothing like watching your time here on this earth run out to help get your priorities right. Now let me tell you one last thing before I finish with you and take my lovely wife out for lunch. This morning, I took the very last marble out of the container. I figure if I make it until next Saturday then I have been given a little extra time. And the one thing we can all use is a little more time for one another now and then.”

Tips for making the best of your life

Tips for living a good life I constantly reflect or pray on goes as follows. "Sit in silence for at least ten minutes each day and sleep for eight hours each night if you can. Read more books than you did last year. Try to make at least three or four people smile each day. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil your present. Realise that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like a maths class but the lessons you will learn will last a lifetime. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree at times. You have no idea what other peoples journeys are about. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured or processed. Smile and laugh more often. Your job won't take care of you when you are ill. Your friends and family will. Stay in touch. Pray always. The best is yet to come. Live your life so that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of people especially those most in need in our world. Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place.

Show respect to all people and grovel to none. When you arise in the morning give thanks to  our  God for the joy and gift of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision. Let the light of your soul guide you. Let the light of your soul bless the work that you do with the secret love and warmth of your heart. See in what you do the beauty of your own soul. Let the sacredness of your work bring healing, light and renewal to those who work with you and to those who see and receive your work. May your work never weary you. Let it release within you wellsprings of refreshment, inspiration and excitement. Be present in what you do. Never become lost in bland absences. May the day never burden. Let dawn find you awake and alert, approaching your new day with dreams, possibilities and promises. Let evening find you gracious and fulfilled. May you go into the night blessed, sheltered and protected."  

Thought for the week

As your thought for this week, reflect on how you manage your time and how you share it with others before the marbles start running out on you. Life, although very short at times, is very beautiful just as roses are beautiful but it has challenges which are like thorns and have to be faced and overcome by all. Those who accept these challenges and succeed, are the ones who know how to live life in its true sense. Thus, enjoy life but also be prepared to bear the pricks of pain. Life is too short to judge a book by its cover. Everyone has their own struggles and journey so never be mean to someone when you don't know their story.

This world needs more understanding, faith, caring, loving, compassionate and sympathetic people, there are way too many mean and cruel people out there. Life is too short to be mad at someone forever. Forgiveness to those that have hurt you is a powerful way to let yourself feel free. Today I pray, may we all more deeply savor, enjoy, and steward the precious gift of time we have been given by our God. Every moment is precious and unique.

Today is a gift, let’s never squander the opportunity we have been given to bring our all into each moment, and, as we are able, may we each work toward ensuring that the quality of our days all it can be through making wise choices with them. We are not in control of the quantity. As the author Annie Dillard once said, “How we spend our days is how we spend our lives,” so let each one of us spend wisely. How will you treasure, cherish, and spend your time and make the most of your today? Make the best of your life while you still can for life can be shorter than you think! Pray for peace in Ukraine and in our world.