Ever hear of Kairos time?
I heard this term used in a new way a couple of weeks ago so began to explore its history and meaning. I am starting to use two ways to look upon this strange uncertain time we are living in and am finding hope and growth in these moments.
The word Kairos comes from ancient Greek and means right, critical or opportune moment. The ancient Greeks saw time in two formats: Chronos meaning chronological time (and the way we usually view time in our culture as in minutes and seconds) and Kairos or appointed moment or due season.
We ask in Chronos time: What time is it? But the question: what is this time for? carries the meaning of Kairos. What is the significance of this time?
Chronos is quantity; Kairos is quality.
Chronos is man’s way of arranging time, to organize, and attempt to control.
Kairos is God’s time – in his hands, creative, loving, inviting and shaping.
This time we are living in right now – in a time of pandemic and upheaval – can be held in our hearts both ways. We can complain in a Chronos manner about restrictions, cancellations, and what has been lost. We can look back upon 2020 wishing its time was over.
Or we can change our mindset and hearts to take a wider view through God’s eyes and see 2020 (and really all of our moments) through the lens of Kairos.
Think of Karios as an open door, an invitation to reflect and grow. 2020 becomes a time of growth and renewal into new creations. We leave behind what no longer worked and leap into the arms of God in faith and love. Both Chronos and Kairos nurture transformation.
Pay attention and see this time in a new way. Where are you seeing God? How will you look back upon 2020 as a Kairos time, not just a Chronos?
This is how I am challenging myself right now. Join me?
Thank you, Gene, for this thought-provoking post. A lot has been accomplished in our home that would not have been if we weren’t under pandemic restrictions. But I must admit that as the “Chronological” time drags on without answers, I do become weary of that and the continued negative news.
Thank you for the answer to put my eyes on God’s time, look to see what He is accomplishing, and give Him thanks. That always lifts my soul.
Blessings,
Janis
It is interestingm Jan to hold both kinds of time in our hearts and see what they reveal. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
Thanks for this emphasis on God, His timing, His wisdom, His ways, friend.
Our own plans have proven to easily fall flat, go up in smoke, vanish like the wind.
Praise God He never changes!
Focusing more on God than my circumstances is a continual struggle but only way to find peace and true guidance, isn’t it?
Thanks, Jean. Two things have been emerging for me over past months in Kairos time: neighbors and gratitude. I’ve been thinking deeply about the meaning of these in my life, and I appreciate your putting my pondering into useful context.
Be well!
I certainly agree with you on these two things that emerged over this strange weird time, especially re gratitude. Focuying on what I do have rather than what I have “lost” gives me hope and perspective, Be well too
“What is this time for?” I love that question instead of “what time is it?”. 2020 is definitely a year to be looking at things in a different way. Thanks, Jean!
Isn’t that a great question? I am finding more and more the wisdom in pausing and asking myself if I am asking the right question or if there is more lessons in a variation of what I am seeking,
SO helpful, Jean. I find myself thinking these days about what we’re losing–like weeks of no contact with grandchildren! I need to be thinking instead of what God would have me gain or what he’d have me give to others. For example, I am currently able to spend more time on social media and be a voice of encouragement; I can give detailed feedback to an author working on a novel. Kairos time offers possibilities of divine purpose not achievable under the constraints of chronos time. Thank you for a transformed perspective, Jean!
It is hard though not seeing and being with grandkids and now with more cases I am beginning to realize just how long this pandemic will go on. God is with us and I know will see us through!
Amen, my friend!
Love this! Either we see with our eyes (watching a clock) and/or we see with our spiritual eyes (insights into what God is doing through His Word). We may not understand what He’s doing but we trust Him. Thank you Jean, for all your insights. I love receiving your posts.
Hi Kathy! How good to see you pop up here in the comments. I am blessed we have kept in touch over all these years. Yes trust trust God _ I keep relearning that lesson in so many ways, Sray well, Kathy!
Thank you, Jean, for throwing down this gauntlet, so to speak. We do need both aspects of time, with Kairos being our ultimate, the one in which we see opportunity and reflection amidst the mere passing of time. May we all be more aware of the ways in which God is asking us to grow and mature in times of difficulty.
Blessings!
WE do need both, not either or when it comes with time I am playing with time today as I try to get some tiny left over details done so I can enjoy this afternoon free of the to do list. So more chronos time for me today but God is ever present guiding me, loving me and as always forgiving me. Love you, Martha!!