Time

You have heard the saying, “Time and Tide wait for no man.” Attributed to Geoffrey Chaucer. Intended to mean that we need to do things, while we still have time. Another way to look at it is that the passing of time is unstoppable, and it will march on regardless of what anyone says or does.

Time after time- defined by Merriam Webster as “on many occasions : very often or frequently”.

Recently, I asked myself- “Why can’t you sit still? Why do you have all these “things” you feel so impelled to finish?”

Impelled is defined as

1. drive, force, or urge (someone) to do something, drive forward, propel.

What are these things that I am pressing to finish? I pushed to get three articles published in peer reviewed journals with my colleagues as the lead author. Those should come out in the journals in 2021. I was inspired to do a mass mailing to 1600 people with an appeal for donations to the nonprofit that I started to raise $600K to finish the last phase of the work that has gone on for 15 years. I spent 5 years leading the work and returned to help finish it up. I was fortunate to have 3 adults and 5 teenagers to help stuff envelops, prepare labels and stamp all these letters. Now, I am compelled ( by my own self) to do another special cookbook filled with recipes and local stories for the 100 year celebration for 2021. Of course, you ask- are you retired or a homebody? No, I am working two jobs and dealing with my own health issues. Will I be happy when I am done or will I regret spending my time doing all these things? I can’t “not” do them or I won’t be satisfied with myself. However, I am hoping to concentrate and focus more time on my family as I balance projects, work and what really matters most- my kids and grandkids. So, this holiday season- despite all the “stay away from your family edicts from government and health professionals in 2020”, I am purposing to be with them as much as possible. I will drive the 2 hours, fly the 5 hours, do what it takes to have time with them – and did I forget- project Family Photo Calendar on Shutterfly? Yep, I need more photos of them in fun times to prepare for the next year’s calendar!! Is it even possible to relax with all these “things I want to do” mixed in with day to day life? It’s hard , if not impossible.

My eldest son always says, “Mom- let your mind take a rest- stop thinking- stop everything for a while- just be”. He’s right!

Thankfully, I have these two “resting” companions who beckon me to sit with them. Sit and relax with us, they say. They are probably my saving grace. It’s hard to resist their looks of love. But, then I am reminded- none of us are getting any younger! There I go again, heading back to one of the projects with renewed energy. As I wrap one up, another comes to mind. It’s like a friend of mine said once, “Being with you, is like being on a moving sidewalk” ,ie: one of those escalators that rush you through an airport. Another friend said, “I like your energy”. So do I. I feel more alive when I am productive and engaged.

As I sat here, this old song came to mind. It’s from my era and how I feel. Time keeps on slipping into the future.

Fly like an Eagle

“Fly Like An Eagle” lyrics

Time keeps on slippin’, slippin’, slippin’
Into the future
Time keeps on slippin’, slippin’, slippin’
Into the future

I want to fly like an eagle
To the sea
Fly like an eagle
Let my spirit carry me
I want to fly like an eagle
Till I’m free
Oh, Lord, through the revolution

Feed the babies
Who don’t have enough to eat
Shoe the children
With no shoes on their feet
House the people
Livin’ in the street
Oh, oh, there’s a solution

I want to fly like an eagle
To the sea
Fly like an eagle
Let my spirit carry me
I want to fly like an eagle
Till I’m free
Fly through the revolution

Time keeps on slippin’, slippin’, slippin’
Into the future
Time keeps on slippin’, slippin’, slippin’
Into the future
Time keeps on slippin’, slippin’, slippin’
Into the future
Time keeps on slippin’, slippin’, slippin’
Into the future

I want to fly like an eagle
To the sea
Fly like an eagle
Let my spirit carry me
I want to fly like an eagle
Till I’m free
Fly through the revolution

Time keeps on slippin’, slippin’, slippin’
Into the future
Time keeps on slippin’, slippin’, slippin’
Into the future