Tony and Barbara ‘time we’ve got’

A new year and at a personal level, given our ages, we are acutely aware of what’s continuing and what has changed.

Given media news we read and watch as world-level leaders struggle to maintain established institutions and make peace in several long-running conflicts and wars.

We all have favourite sayings. Barbara reckons one of Tony’s is “time we’ve got.”

It’s a throwback to family and working lives when time was short, we often felt to be pushed, and sometimes found ourselves running to catch a train!

Nowadays the phrase recognises how much time we have – to fill, get through, not waste, enjoy, and (as the Jesus of the Gospels has it) live abundantly.

In our information-rich age we are acutely aware of how important it is to be discerning.

Those who strive to be truth-telling and who understand that “truth matters” have their work cut out as others lie, deceive, and do serious ‘harm.’

Within these over-arching and often bewildering concerns there is myriad advice on how to spend our time well, live abundantly, be healthy and whole. The sources are vast from DIY courses to the wisdom acquired from our cultures and religions with their histories and remarkable people.

We go on making choices. If we are fortunate, we can share this process with family and friends. If we remain resolute, we use our power to form alliances and promote our values of kindness, compassion, non-violence. If we live with loyalty and courage, we will side with those who work for a better day.