Each January 1, the Catholic liturgy reads from Galatians 4:4-7 which begins with the following "but when the fullness of time had come ..." These words have remained with me for more than a decade. They are an integral part of the rhythm of new beginnings. They hold an undeniable aliveness and are a slow filling of a hollow space.
The fullness of time...
Fullness of ...
Time.
As one who recently turned 60, time has become more precious. In linear time, an end is in sight. That is not meant to be a statement of despair or gloom but a nod towards my "understanding in the length of days" (Job 12:12) and a testament to a clarification of sharpening focus. As new dimensions of understanding have opened, the question is no longer just about how best to spend time, my time, but how to be a responsible steward for the gift of time itself. I suspect that this is one of those questions whose answer can only be 'lived into' to paraphrase Rilke; yet, the intentionality of it clear. The fullness of time ... is here ... Live.
As we step into this new calendar year, you may want to consider Time's invite for you.
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