"I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see." --John Burroughs
This is how I feel everyday. Often, I am focused on there not being enough time to do the laundry or the dishes or clean the messes that inevitably come with a four year old at home. And so I sometimes can not wait for the day to be over, to fall into bed and finally close my eyes and rest my body. But, I sometimes wish that I could make the day go on for longer, to give me more time to play, more time to read, more time to enjoy all the things that life brings me.
Sometimes, though, I think I use lack of time as an excuse to NOT enjoy life. Instead of taking the time I have and using it well, I let it slip away while I sit on my couch, watching TV or surfing the internet. This quotation reminds me of how important it is to use the time I have to think and talk about meaningful and enjoyable things, to spend time outside enjoying the beauty that surrounds me, to read more than just a page on the internet or an email advertisement, and to spend time with people I enjoy and who appreciate me. Prioritizing is something I have not done well in my life. But, it is time. Time to recognize that the time I've been given is precious and should be used well, not just used up. It should be savored and appreciated rather than simply survived and disregarded.
This is how I feel everyday. Often, I am focused on there not being enough time to do the laundry or the dishes or clean the messes that inevitably come with a four year old at home. And so I sometimes can not wait for the day to be over, to fall into bed and finally close my eyes and rest my body. But, I sometimes wish that I could make the day go on for longer, to give me more time to play, more time to read, more time to enjoy all the things that life brings me.
Sometimes, though, I think I use lack of time as an excuse to NOT enjoy life. Instead of taking the time I have and using it well, I let it slip away while I sit on my couch, watching TV or surfing the internet. This quotation reminds me of how important it is to use the time I have to think and talk about meaningful and enjoyable things, to spend time outside enjoying the beauty that surrounds me, to read more than just a page on the internet or an email advertisement, and to spend time with people I enjoy and who appreciate me. Prioritizing is something I have not done well in my life. But, it is time. Time to recognize that the time I've been given is precious and should be used well, not just used up. It should be savored and appreciated rather than simply survived and disregarded.
So, as I enter into the summer months - my slower season - I will consider time a bit differently. I will consider using my time wisely and wonderfully rather than "saving" time or "managing" time. The time will come and the time will go. The only thing I can do is use it to do the things that matter and are enjoyed most. Slowing down and savoring the time I have for thinking, reflecting, writing, reading, spending time with my family and friends. Noticing all the time I have available to me during this season of the year and this season of life.
Sure I will still remain busy and my to-do list will remain long, but I will consider that to-do list a bit more seriously. I will consider what I can cull from my home to make cleaning and enjoying it easier, but also what I can cull from (or maybe even add to) my to-do lists to be sure that at the end of each day as I fall into bed and finally close my eyes, I have something not only to look back on with joy and love, but also something to look forward to in the days to come.
I want to live life to the fullest and to always be looking for more - not things, but experiences and time spent with people and doing things I love. This is what I want for myself. I do not want to waste a day, an hour, a minute of this limited time that I have to enjoy life to the fullest.
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