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Treasuring the Ticks of Time

May 20, 2014 By Jean Wise

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Time goes by so quickly. If you try to catch it, like bubbles or whispers, the moments evaporate.

Yet life occurs in those fleeting seconds. I am learning to treasure these ticks of time.

To pause and breath. To hold sacred the seconds of living.

Perhaps it was the retreat a few weeks ago when we began each session with three deep breaths. The first breath reminds that I am mortal, the second that others with you are mortal and the third reminds us that this makes the moment of interaction and coming together even more precious.

I inhaled the breath of God and let it swirl within my soul, dancing around my heart. I exhaled the very depth of myself, back to Him, letting him remove my many masks and embrace my empty vulnerability.

Maybe the awakening spring reminds me of how life emerges, cycles, and reiterates its rhythm and pace. I too often dash at full steady speed without the minding the tempo of time. The rests and the crescendos create dramatic music.

Recently I read a poem by Judy Brown, “What make a fire burn is space between the logs, a breathing space.” I am honoring hollow, hallowed spaces.

I am more aware of beholding what the French saying recalls – “God works in moments.”

Dear friends, am I making any sense today? My mindfulness of each moment, how I am cherishing time, life differently lately consumes me.

Edwina Gately said it best:

 

“Each day is so full

Of action, noise, and haste

That I miss you, God.

I allow you to get lost

in my clutter.

Oh, let me,

In the midst of it all,

Discern a little spark

Of your Presence.

Let me,

In the dizziness of my days,

Feel the brush

Of your grace

As I rush by you.

 

O God,

Let me understand and rejoice

That you

Ever shadow me –

Longing to be known,

Longing to be loved.

In a single grace-filled

Moment.”

 

How do you treasure the ticks of time?

 

 

 

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Filed Under: spiritual practices

Comments

  1. Nancy Ruegg says

    May 22, 2014 at 6:08 pm

    I love your statement about rests being necessary for dramatic music. Moments of rest throughout the day can make our lives sing with rhythm and joy. I’m learning to treasure the ticks of time, too, by practicing God’s presence as Brother Lawrence did–worshiping and praying as I go about my daily routines. It’s a growing process, but I’m trying to take joy in that, too. Progress is worth celebrating–not just perfection!

    • blankJean Wise says

      May 24, 2014 at 9:29 pm

      I am really lecturing myself when it comes to rest. I focus so much on accomplishing and not good at letting go and resting. So all these image help remind me. I like your comment about progress is worth celebrating. good thought, Nancy!

  2. blankJohnnie Alexander Donley says

    May 20, 2014 at 8:52 pm

    I like the concept of the “breathing space” between logs, too. (And after this past winter, I have practical experience in starting fires .) You’ve given me much to meditate upon today, Jeanie.

    • blankJean Wise says

      May 24, 2014 at 9:28 pm

      I loved that poem about the logs. I cut it out and put it in my journal. something to ponder.

  3. blankCeil says

    May 20, 2014 at 2:07 pm

    Hi Jean! I really like that idea of the space between the logs. I never thought of it that way, but it really is necessary. And the three breath thing is really cool too. Starting off the same way each day really puts you in the moment, and ready to dive in.

    Sounds like you had a really good experience. How do I measure time? Hmm…I’m really bad a time management. So maybe I don’t! I guess I measure it by morning, afternoon and evening. And it all races by, and I do wonder if I was attentive to God enough. Probably not. But I think I’ll be working on that my whole life.
    Blessings!
    Ceil

    • blankJean Wise says

      May 24, 2014 at 9:26 pm

      I copied the whole poem about the space between the logs. such a great image to hold. That retreat was rich!

      • blankCeil says

        May 25, 2014 at 1:16 pm

        So… are we twins?

        • blankJean Wise says

          May 25, 2014 at 4:20 pm

          spiritual sisters at the least! Where in Illinois do you live. My son lives in S. Elgin.

  4. blankClella says

    May 20, 2014 at 8:29 am

    OH YES! Just saying Amen to all of this. And at my age (ha you know) I find it even more true. Every moment is a moment to treasure. Thank you for reminding me this morning.

    • blankJean Wise says

      May 24, 2014 at 9:26 pm

      i am so behind in reading comments but love finding yours here waiting for me. Every moment is special. thanks for commenting, Clella

Healthy Spirituality – a sacred space to nurture your faith, grow closer to God, and belong to a community, walking together on life’s journey. This blog is written by author, speaker and retreat leader Jean Wise

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