Where Does Time Go?
Steven McKinley
Time is a remarkably equitable gift.
— Steven McKinley
Before my week started, I knew it was going to be one of those weeks. My appointment book told the coming story: worship services, meetings, classes, appointments, counseling sessions were lined up from Sunday morning through Friday afternoon, like soldiers in an unbroken line. Then, on Friday evening, we would begin the annual twenty-four-hour retreat of our governing board, bringing me home early Saturday evening — only to begin that hectic routine again. On top of that, we were in a building program at the time, and every day I anticipated having to iron out wrinkles and answer questions.
Every morning I was out the door by 7:00. I ate lunch at my desk, dashed home for a quick dinner, and then headed out again, making it home in time only to watch the late-night news and fall asleep in my chair during the weather. By midweek I was feeling frazzled and only semi-prepared for the responsibilities in front of me. Wherever I went, I was constantly aware of the time. I turned into a clock watcher.
On Friday evening at the retreat, I excused myself from the rest of the board members at about 10:00 p.m. to retreat to my room. As tempting as the bed looked, I forced myself to sit down at the desk, for the Sunday sermon was still only in the fetal stages. I pulled my Bible out of my attaché case, and I turned to the page marked with a card. I looked at the card.
"Ted Livingston — heart surgery — Wednesday, 9:00 a.m." it said. I had written myself the note the previous Sunday and stuck it in my Bible. I had forgotten about it until now. There I sat, closeted in a retreat center, having forgotten an essential hospital visit, looking at an unfinished sermon. As busy as I had been ...
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