I’m convinced that the pandemic has warped time. In the before times (life before the pandemic), time already felt like it was flying, but at least we had firmer boundaries. Our work time, family time, worship time, and leisure time had specific points of demarcation. Now, the boundaries that kept those various aspects of our lives in place have been subsumed in the vortex of the pandemic. It feels like time is slowing down and speeding up simultaneously.
Even our ability to perceive time has been distorted. Just in case you’re tempted to think this is a figment of my imagination, researchers have found that our perception of time is skewed due to the pandemic, and according to scientists the earth did spin faster on June 29, 2022. It’s giving time warp simulation with a pinch of The Twilight Zone, y’all! More often than not, K-Ci & Jojo’s off-key canticle, “Time is Slipping Away From Me,” is playing on a loop in my mind. (I’d like to submit this song for consideration into the canon of negro spirituals, but I digress.)
Time is a curious thing. As human beings, we seem to experience an inverse relationship with it. The younger we are, the more abundant time seems. As we get older and more intimately acquainted with our finitude, the more fleeting time appears to become. And when we consider time in reference to our personal, physical, financial, and career goals over the span of a new year (or a one-year, five-year, or even ten-year plan)—then poof! time becomes a vapor. If you’re anything like me, anxiety begins to set in at the thought of everything I want to accomplish juxtaposed with what’s left of this year—and the years to come, Lord willing.
Perhaps the fleeting nature of time is why the Bible continually reminds us to take stock of the varying seasons in our lives. Ecclesiastes says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build” (3:1-3). And in Psalms, we are to ask God, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (90:12).
Throughout Scripture, God continually urges us to embrace wisdom and discernment, so we know what is worthy of our time, attention, intention, and how to best use this precious resource given to us.
The very thought of how limited our time is, in connection with our goals and aspirations, can be daunting. The good news is that what God requires, God supplies. In the book of James, we are invited to ask God for wisdom, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (1:5). We have the assurance that God will give it to us, so that we can know what we ought to do with our time and when to do it.
As if that was not enough, we have a beautiful promise that calms my anxious heart, “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands” (Psalm 138:8). We are not left alone to figure all of this out. We get to partner with God to fulfill our purpose and goals at their appointed times. Our time is always in God’s capable hands, so let’s steward it well.
How will you use wisdom to determine what does and does not deserve your time?
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That explains a lot! I’ve been feeling as though things were beyond my grasp since coming out of the pandemic but thought it just seemed that way. I will breathe a little easier and intentionally slow down to make the most of the time given to me by God. Looking for His direction.
Paula, I’m so glad this article resonates with you. Sometimes we need to know we are not alone in our thoughts and feelings. Thank you for reading my article.
Amazing really! I lost my husband six years ago and ever since then time seemed to be on warp speed. But you are right about something changed with this pandemic. I know normally during fall the days are shorter, but it seems even shorter this fall than before. I feel like I can rarely catch my breath. I am on this fast-moving train of life, and I am hanging on and asking God to keep me safe, because only Him can see what is ahead.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Kathleen. Time continues to fly by, but you’re right that we have to hold onto God’s unchanging hand. It’s a comfort to know that even if we lose our grip, God doesn’t. Blessings to you!
I just had this conversation with my nephew! Excellent! You are on point!
Fly like an Eagle by Steve Miller Band….time keeps on slippin’ into the future. Be cognizant of time; it’s a precious gift.
Yes, I love that song! Yes, may we all steward our time well. Time is not a renewable resource. May we have the wisdom to who and what deserves our attention.
That just what I needed today after getting news that is going to change my life down do waste a lot of time and energy and it reminded me that god is always in charge
I’m glad this article came right on time for you, Renee. Thank you for reading it.
This message, is very timely. God is speaking. I prayed it. More people will stand up and pay attention because time is wrapping up. And our world is in the middle of a spiritual warfare. And many don’t even understand. I pray for wisdom. I pray for discernment. I prayed it more and more people will pay attention and look with their spiritual ear and see with their spiritual eye. God is trying to prepare us. I pray for the world to wake up and pay attention
Amen, Barbara! Time is flying by and spiritual awakening is needed. Thank you for highlighting this important aspect. Blessings to you!
I submitted my story to Hallmark Mahogany the last two times the venue was open. I fully understood that it may not be chosen. But what I didn’t understand or agree to, was for it to be re-worded and submitted by someone who works for Hallmark Mahogany with their name on it. You reached out via internet “come thru Sis,” and asked that we share/express our experiences in hopes that it may inspire others—I showed up. I shared a personal experience, while expressing a very sensitive moment in my life, in hopes that it would help inspire others. After reading this and sharing it with many others this article is too similar in its entirety. Hallmark Mahogany said this was a place to inspire—No Where in the description did it say to take possession of or ownership of someone else’s story.
Anna,
Thank you so much for being a part of Mahogany – and for taking the time to submit an article. While we can’t publish everything that is submitted, we appreciate you as a member of the writing community.
We took another look at your submission and compared it to the article you mention here. While we do see the overlap in theme and the mentioning of a different song, we want to set your mind at ease. Our regular contributors submit their own writing and do not have any access to the guest post submissions. There would have been no way for the writer to see or read your writing. In addition, we do not provide topics, so their words, ideas, and experiences are their own.
We also make it a point not to rework the stories that readers send to us because no one knows your story better than you. Perhaps the experience of feeling out if sync with time is so relatable because so many of us have experienced it—especially since the pandemic.
In any case, thank you for being a part of the Mahogany community. I hope this email explains the situation better and brings understanding. If you’d like to discuss anything further, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
This is so true that time is indeed fleeting! Christmas & birthdays seem to take forever to return each year when we were children but now the holidays seem to come and go faster and faster. We should be mindful of our purpose to honor God through our daily service to others. This is a beautiful article.
Thank you very much, Gail! Keeping our purpose in mind is so important and making the most of our time is a major key. Thank you for reading my article. God bless you!
Beautifully spoken! Time…. Wow..How we need to slow down and just breathe. Being intentional of how we spend our time because time keeps moving with or without us.
Yes, time is not a respecter of persons. Thank you for taking the time to read my article. I’m grateful. Blessings to you, Cheryl!
In this season of my life , time is of the essence. I try my best to listen and be led by God to guide my use of my time and to honor him.
Yes, sis! Time is of the essence, indeed! Knowing the seasons, we are in and what to do is so important. Thank you for reading my article.
Thank you so much for this beautiful writing of spiritual inspiration. I am also going pray for God’s spiritual wisdom how to use my time wisely and honor him.
You’re welcome, Dee! Thank you for reading my words. Amen! I know God will grant you wisdom, sis!
Thank you so much for this beautiful writing of spiritual inspiration. I am going pray for God’s spiritual wisdom how to utilize my time to keep honor him and do his will in my life.
Amen, sis! Prayer is the key.
I so love this, it gave me insight. Thank you
You’re welcome! I’m glad it was helpful.