Friday, May 3, 2019

The Myth of Time

This morning I’ve been thinking about how we think about Time and how we  abuse and misuse  it.  I’m guilty.  I remember writing about Time a few years ago and decided it was time for me to read it again and perhaps, time for you to read it again, too.

Wait till tomorrow.  Be patient.  Time will heal the wounds.  Time will solve the problems.  You may feel the "fatigue of despair" today, but tomorrow will bring the "buoyancy of hope."  Just give it time and this too shall pass!  Everyone at some time or another has offered this advice:  "Give it time."  Sometimes we say it with religious words:  "Only have faith, only be patient, only pray, and wait for time to resolve the situation."

What we seldom realize is that time is neutral.  Time, in and of itself, just passes!  It can be used  constructively or it can be used destructively.  Time has no morality, no healing power.  While time  adds years, wrinkles, and grayness, it does not develop character, or resolve problems, or change anything.  The technological wonders of our present world were not developed by time, but by creative minds using their time to create and to build.  Time has not affected the social climate of our society (witnessed by the renewed hatred and racial bigotry that has erupted in recent months).  Time doesn't stand still, but time doesn't have any power to do anything more than just pass by. Isaac Watts says it well in the hymn O God, Our Help in Ages Past: "Time, like an ever-flowing stream, bears all who breathe away; they fly forgotten, as a dream dies at the opening day."


It is our duty to use time and to aid time, otherwise it remains neutral.  We must revolt against the myth of time by making whatever difference we can make today.  Love of enemy and neighbor doesn't come with time.  Such love comes only by putting it into practice today.



No comments:

Post a Comment