Often wonder is there time to do all that is needed, the daily chores, the weekly chores and all the things that need fixed around the house. Time for friends , time for family , time for community- where does all this time go. Seems like more and more things are being rushed and that is usually when something goes wrong. I remember when it was sufficient to work a 40 hour week and have a decent wage and time leftover for family. Now, the world demands a 48-60 hour week and family is suffering for it. Not to mention time for your self to read a good book or just enjoy a relaxing cool glass of tea and admire the view.
This makes me reflect on Ecclesiastes 3 1-15 a favorite verse in the old testament. There is a time for everything under the sun. This verse is so true, even today- especially make time for yourself. We often get roused by work, family and friends to do this or that. I by nature accommodate others and put myself at the end of the line, maybe it was shyness or humility- not sure. I know shyness soon gave way to knowledge being born in a poor coal town, then rising out of poverty was no easy feat. I do remember taking time for my children coaching the teams, vacations, and attending graduations etc. but have to admit slighted myself. I now take time to pray and read a lot, not just educational but inspirational literature and sometimes just a old classic.
I enjoy camping out probably something in my indian blood - even though there is just a little there. Once I remember when in the Coast Guard leaving the barracks and living in a tent for an entire year at a local campground. I just wanted to get away from military life and be with other people. I was allowed to live off base and gave my cousins address, went there occasionally to visit. Often would enjoy cookouts with the other campers and outdoor activities , horse shoes etc. I stayed till winter when everyone left and went home but ventured out to the outdoor showers at 5am in the cold putting in my quarters, left when they turned off the water, ha ha!.
A friend of mine said I was a minimalist , that was the first time hearing that expression. It means a person who has minimal needs and strives to protect the environment. My son always was asking me why we did not live in a bigger house or nicer car. I could actually afford these , then when he got married guess who helped him buy his first home. It all worked out now my grandchildren have a roof over their head and I am content in knowing that. Is there time? If we only take what we need and not live a wasteful life , I think there will be time. Time to smell the roses , time for reflection and for prayer.
The only selfish desire I have is a little time for myself and God, not talking about church but just alone time.
This makes me reflect on Ecclesiastes 3 1-15 a favorite verse in the old testament. There is a time for everything under the sun. This verse is so true, even today- especially make time for yourself. We often get roused by work, family and friends to do this or that. I by nature accommodate others and put myself at the end of the line, maybe it was shyness or humility- not sure. I know shyness soon gave way to knowledge being born in a poor coal town, then rising out of poverty was no easy feat. I do remember taking time for my children coaching the teams, vacations, and attending graduations etc. but have to admit slighted myself. I now take time to pray and read a lot, not just educational but inspirational literature and sometimes just a old classic.
I enjoy camping out probably something in my indian blood - even though there is just a little there. Once I remember when in the Coast Guard leaving the barracks and living in a tent for an entire year at a local campground. I just wanted to get away from military life and be with other people. I was allowed to live off base and gave my cousins address, went there occasionally to visit. Often would enjoy cookouts with the other campers and outdoor activities , horse shoes etc. I stayed till winter when everyone left and went home but ventured out to the outdoor showers at 5am in the cold putting in my quarters, left when they turned off the water, ha ha!.
A friend of mine said I was a minimalist , that was the first time hearing that expression. It means a person who has minimal needs and strives to protect the environment. My son always was asking me why we did not live in a bigger house or nicer car. I could actually afford these , then when he got married guess who helped him buy his first home. It all worked out now my grandchildren have a roof over their head and I am content in knowing that. Is there time? If we only take what we need and not live a wasteful life , I think there will be time. Time to smell the roses , time for reflection and for prayer.
The only selfish desire I have is a little time for myself and God, not talking about church but just alone time.
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