On Sunny Lane: It's About Time

I don't like to waste time.

After all, time is the most valuable commodity we have. Actually, it is the only commodity we have. Think about it. All of our possessions can be destroyed by fire, water, wind, or theft. We can be robbed of our dignity and self-esteem. The one thing that cannot be taken away from us is time and how we choose to use it.

That is why I multitask every chance I get. I do another task while supper or a pie is in the oven. I read or do puzzles while I eat or watch television. Sometimes I even stir one pot on the stove while I mix something else in a bowl on the counter. That can cause an accident from time to time, but I have found that it is worth the risk.

Today, as I was waiting for a glass of water to be filled from the faucet and putting some clean dishes in the sink, I began to think. How many seconds did I save by multitasking? In the grand scheme of things and, in my lifetime, what did those few seconds achieve? How important was it for me to save them? What did I do with the seconds I saved? I sure don't remember.

But, I do try to make the best use of my time by getting the work out of the way so I can do the things that I enjoy doing. By spending time with family and friends. By making plans for happy adventures, instead of worrying about mistakes I might have made in my lifetime. Sometimes we need to step back and concentrate on doing a good job at the task at hand. Often we need to relax and enjoy the moment.

I have read books about heroes who have been captured by an enemy and thrown into prison. While there, they did not spend their time lamenting their situation. They prayed and thought about happy things. Saints Peter and Paul are good examples of that, as is told in the Acts of the Apostles.

Sometimes I think back on the many years of my life and the many experiences I have had. In retrospect, it seems those years went so fast. Yet, there are times when it seems to drag. Sometimes we waste time, and sometimes we save it.

I have found that it is a good practice to save time by multitasking, so that I have time to rest. That is never a waste of time.

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Dorothy is the author of two books—“Miles and Miracles” and “Getting It All Together “. You can purchase a book or send a comment by emailing her at dorothybutzknight@gmail.com