Making Time Is So Important
“We’ve got this gift of love, but love is like a precious plant. You can’t just accept it and leave it in the cupboard or just think it’s going to get on by itself. You’ve got to keep watering it. You’ve got to really look after it and nurture it.” ~ John Lennon
I have seen many a forlorn puppy in my time. There have been families that have brought the puppy into their home and then, for one reason or another, decided that a dog just took too much of their time and energy. When they decided that, they began giving the puppy less and less time and attention. What would follow would be behavioral problems on the part of the puppy, frustration on the part of the owners, a lot of unhappiness all the way around, and a return of the puppy to the place of purchase.
I have seen many a forlorn child and teen in my time. There have been occasions when they took the risk of introducing themselves to new friends and, for a while, things worked out great. Then, there would be nicks in the friendships. Perhaps jealousy, envy, gossip, or something else drove a wedge between them and other friends. Then ended up on the outs.
I have seen many a forlorn adult in my time. They may have begun a new job but, within a short period of time, became disenchanted with it. They did not feel that it was going to get them anywhere, that they were trapped in something they did not really want.
I have seen many a disgruntled person of faith in my time. Maybe they were going along well in the practice of their faith and then they became challenged by a Church teaching or law. Or they drifted away from the regular practice of the faith because they found something else to do on Sundays. Their absence made them feel distant from the Church.
Making time is so important. In order for that puppy to behave, it has to feel loved. In order to feel loved, its owner or owners need to be present. That is the major reason that I will not have a pet. I do not spend enough time at the house and that would not be fair to an animal.
In order for friendships to work, we have to give each other time. When differences come about, it is important to give each other the time needed to express themselves and reconcile their differences. Friendships that weather the years are true and strong because each person gave the time needed to the other.
People at new jobs need to remember that same rule. Time is so crucial. It takes time to learn the routine of a job and time to learn the true meaning of the business as well as of the employer. Giving themselves the proper time, something that may have seemed disappointing or chaotic could turn into something quite fulfilling.
If making time is so important, why would we not consider the same rule for our spiritual lives? We cannot have an “instant relationship” with God. We have to give Him the time that is His due. God gives us every moment of every day. He never leaves us, never strays from us, never ignores us. He is always there for us. We need to make the time to be with Him.
It is time to get our priorities straight. What is most important in our lives? What kind of time does that deserve?
FAITH ACTION: Whether it be in silent prayer, spiritual reading, or community service, make time this day to spend with God.