More than today

All the time in the world?



“The core motivation of humanness, it is claimed, is rational calculation of how to maximize our best interests. Ironically, a ‘free market’ does not create a society as free as many think, for the constant pricing and charging of everything acts like series of customs tolls blocking the free flow of ideas and relationships. Equally ironically, we eventually cannot afford what we most desire- deep relationships. For if ‘time is money’ and people take time, then the ‘opportunity costs’ of relationships (the gain that we would earn by doing something else) will be prohibitive and intimate friendships will be few. ‘Spending’ time with friends is costly; we could invest it better elsewhere.”
- Os Guinness


We certainly do live in a society that considers time a commodity. Now, think of how many ways there are to spend your time. Secondly, what value do you place on your time? Finally, think about how absurd it is to think that we can actually control the passing minutes. Terms such as ‘time management’ are really crazy. All you can do is plan better, or at the very least, decide how to prioritize your days.
However, our culture tries its hardest to speed up the clock: I-pass toll lanes, one-hour photo services, Chili’s curbside delivery. All of these exist in response to our desire to do a million things at once, our fear of wasting time, and our apparent reluctance to simply get out of our cars. Look at the explosion of the drive-through window craze. They are everywhere. We have them for just about every conceivable convenience. Are you in a rush to tie the knot? Don’t worry! Just pull up to the second window, and a real-life minister will assist you shortly. (Please have correct change.)
Yet, I really think the problem comes down to one of priorities. We place a huge emphasis on satisfying our needs in the quickest way possible, but we fail to realize that tomorrow may never come. We procrastinate in calling our best friends (I’ll do it this weekend), but we don’t think that the medicine which may save our lives is worth the wait (drive-thru pharmacy). So, in light of all of these seemingly misplaced values, why do we rush towards the unimportant: cheeseburgers, pictures, & Viagra, and drag our feet when it comes to communicating with the ones we love? I would suggest that all of this stems from our belief that ‘there is always tomorrow’.
But, what if there isn’t? What if you knew exactly when you were checking out? What if the day and time of death for everyone were common knowledge? Would your priorities change? What friend or family member would you call that you haven’t? Also, would the checkout line at the store really be an eternity? Wouldn’t you want to make the most of your remaining time and spend it with those who mean the most to you?
That’s exactly what one man did. In light of his limited time left, he gathered those closest to him and had one final night of talking, reminiscing, and crying- together. He knew his time was coming to an end, and he didn’t want to waste one minute. You see, his entire life was lived with an eye towards eternity. He set his sights down-range. He knew the number of his days, and he did all he could to ensure that his friends and followers could carry on without him. He had invested in the lives of these men, and he loved them more than they could know.
On that final night, the eve of his passing, I can imagine his final sentiments: “Guys, I’m not going to be around much longer. In fact, tonight is it. I know this all sounds crazy, but it’s true. I can’t explain everything yet, but very soon this will all make sense. Please know that everything I’ve ever said or done was in total love for you. I’m so proud of you guys. You don’t realize just how far you’ve come since we first met. Because you won’t see me for awhile, I want you to start a new tradition whenever you get together. (No, Pete, it’s not a secret handshake) I want you guys to share this special meal with each other. What you serve as the food really isn’t important. It’s what’s in your hearts that is. They’ve got to be right and pure. When coming to the table for this supper, remember to check your hearts for cleanliness, even more than your hands or feet. Once you know that your heart is in line, then eat and drink. Enjoy it, but remember me. What you will see tomorrow won’t be pleasant, but I need you to keep it in mind whenever you participate in this new tradition together. Don’t be saddened, however. It’s all for you. You’ll see. My love will never leave you. Just do one thing, guys- remember. Whatever else you do, don’t forget me. Remember everything: all of our times together, the miracles that happened, and the tragedies, too. Most of all know this: I love you with all of my heart and all that I am; I’ll never leave you, even when you don’t see. I’ll always be right there among you and beside you, even until the end of the world.”
om/">Ben Wilcox