I ponder over the words on the cover of the notepad, and sense the state of mind of the writer. The person had gone through the taints of life.Life to me, is akin to a pile of memoirs of experiences. Stacked within the package are collections of triumphant and ecstatic moments, disappointments and emotional scars. Inevitably, these life experiences are necessary for spiritual growth.
As we cruise through life, we are confronted with severe stormy weather, calm weather, and sunny weather. Riding through rough times whilst remaining steadfast and focused is our test of endurance.
Unfulfilled dreams can often trigger remorse. However, for lack of trying and for having taken life for granted, we only have ourselves to blame.
Now, lets divert for awhile and listen to a popular song of the 60s. It amplifies my views on the wisdom, and essence of time.
Turn, turn, turn by the Byrds.
To everything, turn, turn, turn.
There is a season, turn, turn, turn.
And a time to every purpose under heaven.
A time to be born, a time to die.
A time to plant, a time to reap.
A time to kill, a time to heal.
A time to laugh, a time to weep.
To everything, turn, turn, turn.
There is a season, turn, turn, turn.
And a time to every purpose under heaven.
A time to build up, a time to break down.
A time to dance, a time to mourn.
A time to cast away stones.
A time to gather stones together.
To everything, turn, turn, turn.
There is a season, turn, turn, turn.
And a time to every purpose under heaven.
A time of love, a time of hate.
A time of war, a time of peace.
A time you may embrace.
A time to refrain from embracing.
To everything, turn, turn, turn.
There is a season, turn, turn, turn.
And a time to every purpose under heaven.
A time to gain, a time to lose.
A time to rend, a time to sew.
A time for love, a time for hate.
A time for peace, I swear it's not too late.
To everything, turn, turn, turn.
There is a season, turn, turn, turn.
And a time to every purpose under heaven.
A time to be born, a time to die.
A time to plant, a time to reap.
A time to kill, a time to heal.
A time to laugh, a time to weep.
To everything, turn, turn, turn.
There is a season, turn, turn, turn.
And a time to every purpose under heaven.
A time to build up, a time to break down.
A time to dance, a time to mourn.
A time to cast away stones.
A time to gather stones together.
To everything, turn, turn, turn.
There is a season, turn, turn, turn.
And a time to every purpose under heaven.
A time of love, a time of hate.
A time of war, a time of peace.
A time you may embrace.
A time to refrain from embracing.
To everything, turn, turn, turn.
There is a season, turn, turn, turn.
And a time to every purpose under heaven.
A time to gain, a time to lose.
A time to rend, a time to sew.
A time for love, a time for hate.
A time for peace, I swear it's not too late.
TIMES OF OUR LIVES
“Time and tide wait for no one”. We know this not just by hearsay, but experience. Time has its schedule, and mercilessly moves on. There were moments when we could not catch up.
This version of "Unchained Melody" by Matt Monroe is my favourite. "Time goes by so slowly, and time can do so much".
Childhood
Yes, time can really do so much in people's lives. I remember the time of the year when monsoon seasons were fear factors in my childhood. One day, three adventurous kids below 10 ventured to a nearby beach on their own and told a white lie. I was one of them. Then a sadistic relative warned us that children who told lies would be struck by thunderbolts. Each time when thunder roared above our heads, we raced and took cover under tables and chairs. We felt doomed for having lied, and believed that our fate was sealed.
Of course, like the weather that came and glided away, although time then seemed to move very slowly. Time took its toll and along with it, our innocent years.
Adulthood
We moved along with time, and then came the next phase of life. We experienced the process of change, and the people who were important in our lives, were taken away, including the sadistic relative. Somehow, then, time seemed to move much too quickly, and we could not keep pace. We pursued our dreams and goals in life, and sometimes cried out ‘there’s not enough time’. We were angry, that time was hasty and ruthless, for having left us behind.
We moved along with time, and then came the next phase of life. We experienced the process of change, and the people who were important in our lives, were taken away, including the sadistic relative. Somehow, then, time seemed to move much too quickly, and we could not keep pace. We pursued our dreams and goals in life, and sometimes cried out ‘there’s not enough time’. We were angry, that time was hasty and ruthless, for having left us behind.
Golden years
Then comes the golden years, when we have all the time in the world. But now, it seems like our time is running out. Our anxiety makes it move even faster than our heartbeat. Yes, time can be merciless, for it again took away the people we loved, and what mattered to us in life.
Then comes the golden years, when we have all the time in the world. But now, it seems like our time is running out. Our anxiety makes it move even faster than our heartbeat. Yes, time can be merciless, for it again took away the people we loved, and what mattered to us in life.
THAT ONE MOMENT IN TIME
Time continues with its persistent journey. We can only ride along, but still need to catch up with its pace, and momentum. We yearn for that 'one moment in time, when we are 'more than we thought we could be'. When that one moment comes, if we let it slip away, that moment in time is no longer a gift to take.
(Right) Whitney Houston with her rendition of "One Moment in time".
She was the most powerful female vocalist I've heard in my lifetime. Not a singer in the world can deliver the song, the way she did.
Whitney had her wish for that "one moment in time" that she asked for. Her memories will linger. She delivered her pledge of "eternity", with this song!
Epilogue
I seized that moment in time, and realized my dreams.
One moment in time
Each day I live, I want to be
A day to give, the best of me
I'm only one, but not alone
My finest day, is yet unknown
I broke my heart, fought every gain
To taste the sweet, I face the pain
I rise and fall, yet through it all
This much remains
I want one moment in time
When I'm more than I thought I could be
When all of my dreams are a heartbeat away
And the answers are all up to me
Give me one moment in time, when I'm racing with destiny
Then in that one moment of time, I will feel, I will feel eternity.
I've learnt to be, the very best
I want it all, no time for less
I've laid the plan, now lay the chance
Here in my hand
Give me one moment in time
When I'm more than I thought I could be
When all of my dreams are a heartbeat away
And the answers are all up to me
Give me one moment in time, when I'm racing with destiny
Then in that one moment of time, I will feel, I will feel eternity.
You're a winner, for a lifetime, if you seize that one moment in time
Make it shine
(Repeat above)
Then in that one moment of time, I will be, I will be, I will be free.
Time continues with its persistent journey. We can only ride along, but still need to catch up with its pace, and momentum. We yearn for that 'one moment in time, when we are 'more than we thought we could be'. When that one moment comes, if we let it slip away, that moment in time is no longer a gift to take.
(Right) Whitney Houston with her rendition of "One Moment in time".
She was the most powerful female vocalist I've heard in my lifetime. Not a singer in the world can deliver the song, the way she did.
Whitney had her wish for that "one moment in time" that she asked for. Her memories will linger. She delivered her pledge of "eternity", with this song!
Epilogue
I seized that moment in time, and realized my dreams.
One moment in time
Each day I live, I want to be
A day to give, the best of me
I'm only one, but not alone
My finest day, is yet unknown
I broke my heart, fought every gain
To taste the sweet, I face the pain
I rise and fall, yet through it all
This much remains
I want one moment in time
When I'm more than I thought I could be
When all of my dreams are a heartbeat away
And the answers are all up to me
Give me one moment in time, when I'm racing with destiny
Then in that one moment of time, I will feel, I will feel eternity.
I've learnt to be, the very best
I want it all, no time for less
I've laid the plan, now lay the chance
Here in my hand
Give me one moment in time
When I'm more than I thought I could be
When all of my dreams are a heartbeat away
And the answers are all up to me
Give me one moment in time, when I'm racing with destiny
Then in that one moment of time, I will feel, I will feel eternity.
You're a winner, for a lifetime, if you seize that one moment in time
Make it shine
(Repeat above)
Then in that one moment of time, I will be, I will be, I will be free.
