THE NOW

‘We have time’, I said as I glanced inside at the clock on the stove.

‘That’s the first time you ever said that’, came the surprised look from my son.

We had just finished our bowls of polenta with maple syrup and actually had time to enjoy our coffee and continue our conversation about death and time. A strange conversation, I admit, but interesting to converse with my son and hear his viewpoints.

It started with my letting him know we should take a vacation every year to Europe as I didn’t want to wait until I retire to start enjoying life. I reminded him to make time for family and not always place the focus on work. He understands that is the main reason his father and I are no longer together and remembers the many times we would eat our meals without him.

Though our mornings are typically rushed during the week as we hurry to school and work, we always sit down together and eat breakfast. Even if we have only a few minutes. It’s a habit I hope he takes into his future with his family.

This morning was an even earlier morning as my son had to be at band sectionals at 07,45. But we woke up early and made sure we had enough time for our Friday morning breakfast on the balcony.

Time is often taken for granted as we convince ourselves that the time we have is infinite. So, we put off doing the things we desire until ‘another time’. Until we retire. Until we have more money. Until we finish our studies. But the best time is now. To plan that vacation. To take the chance with a new endeavour. To just take advantage of ‘the now’.