"Time in a Bottle"

At my current age and status in life (i.e. "Empty Nest") it seems that we talk a lot about how quickly time passes. In reality we know that "TIME" always proceeds at the same pace -- chronologically speaking. Our perspective on the passing of time is what changes as we get older. Likewise, our current circumstances seem to play a major role in how we "feel" about the passing of time. When we are really enjoying our life the "TIME" seems to pass by much more rapidly than when our journey in life is very difficult. So, we can say that our "Emotional Status" has a major role in how we view the passing of time.

My wife and I have often commented on how quickly our children grew up. It "seems like yesterday" when they were young and when our lifestyle was largely influenced by their presence in our home. In a way we are saddened by the fact that our children have moved on. Even though we have all the fond memories of their "growing up" years, it is hard sometimes not to wish things could go back to when they were younger. (And we were younger too!)

As I thought about how these times of nostalgia can bring as much sadness as happiness, it occurred to me how our perspective on the passing of time is influenced by what has already been -- i.e. The Past. It is impossible to 're-live' those moments that have passed. We can only truly LIVE in the Present! When "passed moments" are very positive and happy we can find ourselves living in them instead of abiding in the wonderment of what we commonly refer to as TODAY. When our "hopes" for a better tomorrow become less than realistic then we tend to avoid and/or miss out on what can be experienced in our Amazing TODAY.

I had no choice concerning when I would enter this 'continuum' called LIFE and I have no choice when my TIME on earth will end. But, between these two points, my choices are limitless. If you could choose between certainty in the details of your life on earth or certainty of life after death, which would you choose? To be honest, our choice on this key issue reflects our perspective on "TIME." Time is a rare and precious commodity; deserving of our best effort in each second that we are privileged to have. Maxing out our NOW involves both our past experiences and future expectations. And, by the way, you can influence what you will do forever by what you do TODAY!

{If you have time go to www.youtube.com and search for Jim Croce's song "Time in a Bottle." Listen to the lyrics and enjoy the melody as you think about your perspectives on time.}