• Apr. 6, 2008
Time, Hasten Slowly
Time is both a friend and a foe. Today was a hard day for me. I spent 18 exquisite days of time with my best friend and eternal companion and my seven gifts (children). Today we said good-bye as he returned to his “mission”. While tucking my children in bed tonight, Makenzie, who is six, told me that she felt when daddy was home that the family felt whole or complete. Now it feels empty. She expressed the entire family’s feelings well. We all were feeling empty today. I know that only time will make it easier.
Where does the time go? When I am spending each day with my children, the time comes and goes so quickly. Days turn into weeks. Weeks turn into months. My eldest daughter is already twelve. She is talking about what she is going to be doing “soon” in her adult life. Yes, it is still years away. Years come so quickly. I remember when she would snuggle in my arms. She had terribly high anxiety as a toddler and young child and would only feel peace and comfort when I held her. I could have pushed her away or made her tough it out, but I didn’t. I sat with her for countless hours while she would hold onto my hair, playing with it, knowing that it is a sacrifice now, but that I would never regret it. I never have. I will never regret any of the time spent with my children and only hope I will remember to spend as much of my time with them now. Eighteen years is a short time in the lifespan of an adult. Make each minute count with each precious child you are given. Your child needs your time during these tender years.
We have so many things we wish to do with our time. How much time do we waste in front of the TV or other electronic entertainment that we will never get back? My dad always tells me that time goes by in the blink of an eye. Sometimes when I’m holding hands with my husband and taking a walk, or holding a child who only wants my comforting arms around her, or as I am nuzzling my newborn infant and drinking in the smell of her newborn skin all the cares of the world melt away as I enjoy each moment. I wish that I could freeze frame these moments and go back to them when I’m having a hard day.
Hasten slowly, time.
Let happiness wing to me quickly,
Settle softly, And linger long,
oblivious of time.
Let midmorning blasts
Mark time
For progress and industry,
But for the filaments of the heart,
Hasten slowly, time.
(Roberta L Theobald, Hasten Slowly Time RS Magazine August 1960)
May you spend the time given to you making pleasant and special memories.
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