I have the most amazing friends. They give so much of themselves through listening ears, meaningful conversation, and their beautiful presence. Because time is a finite resource it can be easy to fall into the trap of thinking it’s about how much time we spend it doing the ‘right’ things, how much time we spend being what the world tells us is productive, and how much time we spend with the people we care about.
I put it to us that we must challenge this assumption. We all have people with whom spending even five minutes is a most enriching experience. There are people whom we won’t see for months, but we pick up right where we left off the last time we spent time together.
Time is precious. This truth is more obvious during a pandemic than ever. Value each second for the gift that it is and what we can give to others with how we spend it. Rest is an integral part of spending our time wisely. If we are tired, or stressed, or worried about what we are going to do next, our attention can be drawn away from who we are with, and the good we feel while we are spending time with these special people.
Be with who you are with. Be that physically or mentally. Meeting with people around the world at the moment has to be via a video or phone call, but we can still be present. Throw that frisbee around with joy. Pay attention to that old friend on the video call whom you haven’t caught up with for years. Drink that coffee while playing the old arcade machine with those good friends. Take that nap your body tells you you need to feel more human for the rest of today. Delve into that dungeon with your companions as it it will be your last (because your character might not survive the epicness!) Immerse yourself in conversation about family, hopes, and dreams, to develop meaningful, life-giving connection.
I am but one person, trying to live my life to the best of my ability, to encourage others. When I find myself turning towards the phrase “But what if?” I know I need to stop, reign in my perspective, and take stock of where my feet are. Sometimes we don’t need to be moving in a direction. Sometimes, we are right where we are supposed to be.
Where are you right now? Physically? Mentally? Emotionally? Socially? Spiritually? These are difficult questions, and some we won’t have the answers to right now. That’s ok. You’re doing an amazing job of being you, and I think that’s pretty awesome.
Kia kaha friends. See you on the other side of today.
Hard lines, heavy times, and handblocks 