“Everything we have belongs to others…time alone is ours.”
Seneca
Very few of us think of time as something we own or the importance of not wasting it. In our modern society, we spend much time being entertained. Television was the first-time waster. Hours are spent watching what others think we want to see or hear. Now it is our cell phones and all that is made available on that tiny hand-held computer. So much is available through that medium, the good and the ugly. We spend minutes scrolling to find something to watch. Many of us who were avid readers now find ourselves watching YouTube. Our valuable time is dispossessed by the compelling stories we see there.
According to Seneca, when humans borrow the smallest, cheapest items, they are eager to return them because they feel indebted, but they never feel indebted when they waste our time. “Yet this is the one loan they cannot repay.” Perhaps, it is our responsibility to not let others waste our time.
I learned many years ago to value my time. I became intentional about my time from a Christian perspective. According to that perspective, my time belongs to God and must be used to “his” glory. Now I know that Time is one of the greatest gifts I have as a “God” being. It is mine to use or abuse. However, when we are in touch with our true selves, we will be intentional about our time. Indeed, we will be intentional in every aspect of our lives. I was so influenced by the Christian perspective that when I was a busy mother, I never sat in front of a Television. Yes, I watch TV, but I did so when I could combine it with another activity, like ironing or sewing. I also was very intentional about what the children and I watched. I was guided by the following:
Philippians 4:8 King James Version (KJV)Finally, brethren, whatsoever, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Taking the above to heart and understanding my true relationship to time I was very Intentional with my time.
Reading this first letter of Seneca to Lucilius refreshed my mind on how precious our time is. Perhaps if we understood that from the day we manifest into this world we are dying, we would value time more. As Seneca said, “Who knows the worth of a day, who realizes that every day is a day when he is dying?” Would we not be more intentional with our time if we understood this truth? Time Squandered can never be recovered.” E.G White.
In this modern day and age, we spend much time waiting and traveling. We can utilize some of this time by always having a good book. As we wait, we can continue to learn and refresh our minds which will also contribute to positive thoughts. The reading doesn’t always have to be serious; it could be a book that would make us joyful and laugh. I am cognizant of the fact that today we spend this time looking at our phones and tablets, which can contribute to the improvement of our minds and the development of a worthwhile mental culture. But the question is, are we reading, or are we just being entertained?
I remember in my earlier days, in the supermarket line, in the bank, wherever I had to wait was my opportunity to get some reading done. And audiobooks are to be most valued. A precious resource when you are driving for miles, as we do in the United States. As you listen, the time goes quickly.
I no longer hold a Christian perspective; I nevertheless am very diligent about my time. I am also now retired, so I have lots of time to do whatever I want. I am still choosing to spend my time productively. I have lost all interest in television. In my opinion, the precious hours spent in front of the television, if they were used to learn a skill we could become masters at many things. I learned a long time ago, that one might as well be productive with their time because it goes by and cannot be redeemed, but you can fill it with worthwhile action and reflect on what you have accomplished.
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