“So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.”

Time passed so slowly when I was younger. In fact, I remember wishing time would speed up; I wanted to be older so that I could do more ‘stuff’. It’s funny in a way, really. I spent my entire youth wishing I was just a little older—now, I pray for the days to slow down. But not for the reasons I should…

There is so much to do, these days. I think the main reason time seems to drag along when we’re younger is due to the lack of responsibilities we have. Sure, kids are busy—any parent will not hesitate to speak that truth—and the busier kids are, more is added to their parents’ plates. Those plates are already full. We work, we volunteer, we have chores, we have obligations to loved ones, and we have many other individual little things that tick away at our hours each day. Days turn into weeks and months before we realize it, seasons blurring by.  

I wonder if the things we concentrate on right now will be the ones we remember in our final hours. I wonder if the arguments we had really will really matter. I wonder if we will feel like we spent our time wisely, or if we squandered it on tasks and worries that ultimately didn’t amount to much.

I’ve been in New Mexico for ten days. During that time, I’ve worked on the things I needed to get done—and only those things. I’ve talked to people in the congregation about their goings-on, their worries, their hurts. This is time well-spent. I haven’t concentrated on the what ifs, the worries of the unknown. I haven’t run myself ragged trying to prove that I am ‘doing enough’. I know I am. And I’ve also been able to be truly present for this family. That matters more to me than almost anything else.

But the one area I noticed I missed the most? 

My wife.

When she, my mom and George arrived yesterday, my world was gathered again. I want to spend more time in that world and less time concentrating on things that ultimately don’t matter. I think this is what the psalmist is talking about, today. Spending more time with God and loved ones is the best utilization of our most precious resource: time. We don’t get these days back. There is no ‘tomorrow’ for some of the moments we miss, nor is there a promise that we will have the opportunity to see the person we put off, today. There is no time to waste in growing closer to God. Through loving those around us, spending time in prayer and practice, and helping those in need, I think God is pleased. That is the wisdom I long to possess: To spend my days doing that which matters most.

Loving God, loving my neighbor, and loving myself.

Faithfully,

Fr. Sean+