Time Flies
August 3, 2026
Hello Friend!
Happy August everyone! You know how they say that time goes faster when you're older? Yeah, I used to hear older folks say that and I never really believed them. Until I was the older one, and now I know it's true. I'm not sure what causes this weird but true effect. Maybe the fact that when you've been around the sun a few more times you're just more familiar with what comes next - busy summer days that melt into fall, celebrating holidays, the long cold days of winter... I don't know why, but it's a fact that "time flies" more quickly the older you get.
When I was in my teens I had a habit of wishing it was five years into the future. It was usually the result of disliking a class at school, or wishing for grown up freedoms. I assumed that if I was older and on my own, my life would be full of only wonderful things. Silly me. Just like everyone, I had to learn that being an adult comes with its own lovely mix of stress and responsibilities, and sometimes it's a real pain. But at this new stage of my life, I realize a more important truth. Time is such a gift, and every bit of it is worth savoring.
Don't get me wrong. I've been through some really terrible times that I hate to remember and deeply wish I could have skipped. Financial distress, illness in my family, and confusion over what path to take. There were lots of tears and frustration. But if I'm honest, all of those terrible, awful things pushed my boundaries and I developed strengths I didn't know I had. I was forced to grow through the struggle. It was never a fun process, but once I landed on the other side my more complete perspective helped me to make better decisions and to realize that hanging on (sometimes for a long time!) will always bring relief.
Most importantly, those awful times taught me to deeply appreciate when things are better, to be thankful and enjoy all the good things no matter how small they are. The simple pleasure of sitting around a table with all my family to enjoy a good meal, listening to my grandson giggle, the pleasure of finding a new flower in my little garden. Okay, so I read that last sentence and it sounds pretty trite.
But I guess that sometimes trite is also true.
The flip side is knowing that at ANY time I might be forced to face another difficult challenge or dark time. I hate that thought. But I also know that I can do it, I'll lean hard into prayer and I WILL get to the other side. And when I meet another soul who's going through a tough time, I can look them in the eye and they'll absolutely know that I understand and can support them. There's great value in that!
But for now I'm just going to enjoy the day, the hour, even this minute and be grateful. I hope you have a wonderful Monday! Hugs.
