Why Do You Need Time?
I’ve been reading 1,000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp lately. It’s a thought-provoking book that has been helpful to shift my perspective.
Voskamp describes one of her dreams: she has cancer and has to tell her husband, brother, family members, etc., one-by-one that she is going to die. She wakes up sweaty and fighting… and compelled to acknowledge she really, really wants to be alive.
The question that haunts her as she processes the dream? Why does she need more time alive?
The question stopped me in my own tracks. What do I need to get done? And if it’s that important, am I directing my life toward that goal on a daily basis?
Most of us have a “bucket list” of things to do before we die.
It’s a cultural obsession. We hear stories of the couple that scrimped and saved to buy an RV and tour the country upon retirement – and then pass away two months before their journey begins – and grieve over their lost experiences. We throw phrases like “carpe diem!” around and Mountain Dew urges us to grab each moment.
But, really… what do we need to do with the time we are given on Earth? And if it’s a genuine need, how are we working on that each moment?
Is there a chance we’re setting it aside as a dream we can accomplish… later? If that’s the case, what are we allowing in our life to take priority over the need?
I’d love to hear your response to this – either in the form of your bucket list or how you’re living intentionally today.
Thoughtful, and provocative post! I enjoy these sort of posts from you immensely, so I wanted to be sure to stop and give a response!
I think as a Mom, the pursuit of my dreams has had to be balanced with the immense task of raising thoughtful, generous little contributions to society. So, while my dreams might move at a slower pace for awhile, I have to remind myself my other big dream was to have a family, and that one has already come true. I trust that all things will come in due time with perseverance.
I try not to be attached to an outcome, but instead, enjoy the journey. I used to think I’d only be able to call myself “a writer” if I had become a published author. Now I know, I was born a writer, and will always be, and so long as I am writing as much as I can, I’m living my dreams in the here and now.
I’m inspired by how much you balance as a Mom of 3 and one on the way, and your perseverance and commitment to your craft remind me to give my dreams the same courtesy. Keep it up!