Time Flies; We Fly
from Window on the Word by Michael Cassidy
The Eternal shepherds me, I lack for nothing; he makes me lie in meadows green, he leads me to refreshing streams, he revives life in me. He guides me by true paths, as he himself is true. My road may run through a glen of gloom, but I fear no harm, for thou art beside me; thy club, thy staff - they give me courage. Thou art my host, spreading a feast for me, while my foes have to look on! Thou hast poured oil upon my head, my cup is brimming over; yes, and all through life Goodness and Kindness waiting on me, the Eternals guest within his household evermore. (Psalm 23 Moffat translation.)
I think I must have been born on the run because I find it so hard to slow down. Although I was born into the mid-20th century I'm sure I have caught the 21st Century disease! Have you got it too? Did you catch it from me or did I catch it from you? Perhaps we caught it from each other!
Modern man finds the throttle stuck at full speed. In anguish he laments the fact that 'time flies'. But actually the real problem is not time, it is us and the way we use our time. No, time does not fly, we do. Time is not lost, we are. We waste it, or kill it or cram it so full of activity that there is no space left for the most important things in life.
As a prescription try this Chinese version of Psalm 23:
The Lord is my pacemaker. I shall not rush. He makes me stop for quiet intervals. He provides me with the images of stillness which restore my serenity. He leads me in ways of efficiency through calmness of mind and his guidance is peace. Even though I have much to do I will not fret, for his presence is here. He gives refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activity, he anoints my mind with the oil of tranquility and my cup of joyous energy overflows. Surely harmony and effectiveness shall rule over my house and I shall walk in the Lord's peace until I live in his house forever.
Prayer
Slow me down, Lord. Ease the pounding of my heart and quiet my racing mind. Give me the vision of eternity to steady my pace and amid the frenzy of the day, give me the tranquility of the everlasting hills. Let me go slowly enough to see a flower, pat a dog, chat with a friend and read a few lines from a good book. Remind me again of those three years in which your Son gave us an enduring example in the use of time. For his name's sake. Amen
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