How effectively do we use our time?
While I can’t remember all the details of life’s journey, I can, in a general sense, remember when my time was spent wisely and when it wasn’t. So, when reflecting on our past, it is healthy to learn some lessons and pivot to the future.
The years ahead (G-d willing) are each comprised of months. The months are a string of weeks, weeks a collection of days, days an aggregate of hours, hours a succession of minutes and minutes a sequence of seconds. So, the broad structure of our lives is actually constructed through individual ‘time-bricks’, individual moments that coalesce to create a lifetime.
While it is important to consider life’s 'big picture', if we want to maximize our effectiveness, we need to tackle life in bite-sized pieces. Each second, minute and hour is an opportunity for substantive living, and they can each meaningfully contribute to a purposeful life.
A teacher of mine once told me that he'd changed his life 'in ten minutes'. When I appeared incredulous, he explained that he was always alert to productive use of time. So, when he had ten minutes with 'nothing to do', he would search for a positive way to use that slice of time. When we have relationships we'd like to strengthen, topics we'd like to research, etc., even ten minutes can be used productively.
It’s about our attitude toward time. We need a conscious, pro-active approach in order to use time purposefully and meaningfully. If I take time to call a friend, it shouldn't be a 'time-filler'; it should be a thoughtful decision to deepen a relationship. If I take time for prayer and reflection, it should be a considered decision to connect my life with something Higher.
The Rebbe once noted the curious fact that G-d created a world in which we are forced to spend time sleeping. Torah is productivity-oriented, so why the unavoidable need for ‘down time’?
The Rebbe explained that rest (or vacation) should not be viewed as an escape from productive life; it’s an opportunity to recharge one’s batteries for re-engagement. It’s all part of the creative journey.
Life is about making a difference. Your next moments are a slice of that life. Use them for your own growth and for the benefit of others.
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