
Teach us to make the most of our time, so
that we may grow in wisdom. (Psalm
90:12 NLT).
With the death of Ronald Reagan, many
commentaries have been written and aired in the media that call us to remember
another day and another time. While watching the news yesterday I began to think
about our day. George Carlin said it this way:
The paradox of our time in
history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways,
but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less. We buy more, but enjoy
less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less
time. We have more degrees but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems,
more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too
recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late,
get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We
have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love
too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living but not a
life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the
moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We
conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not
better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered
the atom but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but
accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers
to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate
less and less. These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and
small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of
two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are the
days of quick trips, disposable diapers, and throwaway morality, one-night
stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to
kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the
stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when
you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.
There are some things we have forgotten in our
rush to be successful. We should remember to spend more time with our loved
ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word
to someone who looks up to you in awe because that little person soon will grow
up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you,
because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't
cost a cent. Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones,
but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from
deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday
that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak and
give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
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