THE FULLNESS OF LIFE
Meditation: Christian Approach
(8th of a Series)
Finding Time
A common problem in the practice of meditation or prayer is finding time. Many are attracted to the practice of meditation but not everyone has the time for it. "But I have no time for it," comes the usual excuse. Although, ironically, these people also have enough time for the less important things in life like window shopping, spending hours before the television set, or just "killing time."
For others who are truly busy because of the many responsibilities that are imposed upon them by society or by their station in life, some sharing on the question of time might be helpful.
A very obvious thing about time is the fact that everyone has the same allotment of 24 hours each day. The same amount of time come to each person each day and yet some will complain that they do not have enough time while others will say that they just do not know what to do with their time. It is therefore, a question of proper management of one's time.
The first thing to remember in the management of time is that time is a very precious divine gift which should not be taken for granted nor squandered. Each one will render an account on the use of his or her time. Time that is wasted is lost forever. Therefore, the first principle in the wise use of time is to use it rather that waste it. And to use it wisely, not foolishly.
The Bible reminds us in many ways to use our time well because it is one of the most precious gifts. "See to it therefore, brethren, that you walk with care; not as unwise but as wise, making the most of your time" (Eph 5:16). "Therefore, while we have time, let us do good to all men" (Gal. 6:10).
The great saints are all so conscious of the great value of time and we could glean so many precious thoughts on "Time" from their various writings. Here are a few extracts:
"Since time snatches away all things human, we ought to snatch from it something which may profit us unto life eternal."
- St. Vincent of Lerins
"You should be more sparing with time that anything else. If you have spent gold, you may recover it, but if you have spent time, you shall hardly regain that."
- St. John Chrysostom
"Nothing can be more precious than time, neither for the repentant sinner, nor for him who is making progress, nor for him who has attained a higher degree of perfection."
- St. Bonaventure
"Let none of you consider as a matter of no consequence...the time wasted in idle talking, for now is the acceptable time, now is the day if salvation. The spoken word passes speedily on, not to be recalled; time runs swiftly, never to return, and the unthinking man pays no attention to what he is losing."
- St. Bernard of Clairvaux
We can still draw from many sources on this but it is enough to prove out point that we must set high value on the use of our time. Convinced of this, we must then, set priorities on the use of time. If God is most important in our life, we must be able to set aside other things for the sake of being able to spend enough time just for Him. In other words, prayer and meditation should be first in our priority list. The Book of Proverbs tells us that if we offer to God the first fruit of our produce He will greatly bless us. Similarly, by offering Him the first hour of our day, we can be assured of His divine guidance, assistance and blessings for the rest of the day.
A story has been told about a businessman and a bishop. The businessman approached the saintly bishop and inquired, "What is the secret of your being able to accomplish so much each day and with such a spirit of serenity?"
The good bishop answered, "My friend, add to each morning's prayer at least half an hour more of meditation and not only will you be able to accomplish peacefully all that needs to be done for the day but you will even find extra time for other things."
It is by giving that we receive – this is the paradox of Christian life. By giving more of our time to God in prayer and meditation, we can be assured that He will also give us something and say, "Give me your time and I will give you My eternity."