Where does the time go? I have asked myself that very question when I recognize changes to every part of me: my brain, my physical strength, my body’s shape, my memory, and an abundance of additional conditions much too numerous to list.
When I was a young lady attending high school, those 45-minute classes seemed to be hours long. The large school clock over the blackboard appeared to be defective. Why was this clock dragging its hands so slowly? I was adamant that I would never honor time, not even when it was correctly directed by the beautiful watch I received for my birthday when I was a young girl. This obvious time protest was short-lived, however. Though I struggled with the recognition of the importance of time, I reluctantly gave in.
So many familiar words are spoken regarding time. For instance: “Time is precious.” “Just in the nick of time.” “The time of our lives.” “It was his time to leave us.” “Time is on our side.” “We are running out of time.” “I forgot to punch my time card.” “This happens time after time.” “There was no time.” “Where has the time gone?” “You have to be there on time.”
We think we will never run out of time and we put our goals and dreams behind us, thinking and believing it is never too late; there is always time to take that cruise, buy that dream car, build the perfect home, take online courses to finally get that bachelor’s degree, learn to cook authentic Italian food. The list goes on and on.
We leave those dreams behind, filed under “Dreams Temporarily Put On Hold.” Before we realize it, time creeps up on us and it is too late — just too late to chase those dreams.
When I was a young teenager with a bedroom overflowing with books, I decided I wanted to live in a cottage by the ocean and write books and poetry. Well, so far, that dream has changed a bit and I am happy. I cannot dance and twirl on the beach, my toes teasing the warm fingers of the gentle tide. My legs are just too weak now to walk in that soft, damp sand.
We have a love/hate relationship with time. Time is unpredictable. Time can be fast or it can be slow. We can run out of time or we can boast that we have plenty of time. I have just “tapped” the surface of the intricacies of time, yet I hope you find this thought-provoking.
My wish for you is to make the most of your time. Give yourself the gift of time. After all, isn’t it about time? With much love.
Belinda Wilcox Hersey lives in Caribou with her husband, Kent. You may email her at belindahersy@gmail.com.
