“Care for a cup of coffee?”
The invitation seemed simple. I knew there were deadlines, commitments, and obligations queued up and waiting for my attention. In the rush to tick the boxes of my life, I was unsure if I had the time to give. As the dilemma grew in my mind, I remembered a friend’s observation; “One is given the gift of time to use in whatever one thinks is important to the heart. When there is no time, it is a heart question expressing the answer.”
“Yes, I would love to.”
As I sat with my cup of black coffee, I would hear my friend’s voice echoing across the years. It has gotten dark more than a few times since I first heard those words. The echo of those words continues to remind me of the lessons that emerged then and shape my day now.
Where I spend my time reflects the values and priorities of my heart. Each is a choice. I do not always find time to eat because I value something more. It is far too easy to fall into the immediacy trap, thinking something takes priority. The simple words, “But we don’t have time to comment on these now” (Hebrews 9.5), have been repeated by each generation for centuries. Yesterday, I prioritised a set of work commitments. In hindsight, I wish I had let these be my second priority. Today is an opportunity to spend time on what is closest to my heart and soul.
Time is a way of being, if only for a while. I often use time as an opportunity to cram in as many events as possible. Whisper’s reminder is simple and to the point. Slow down. Be in the moment. Walk the hills and rediscover one’s heart. Enjoy the view and the beauty in it. Let the love in each dish fill one’s soul. Practice giving away the gifts of time to those thirsty and hungry for relationships. Time echoes our hearts, even when we think it is a masquerade.
Come, now is the time.
