There are at least two ways to look at time. One way says there is never enough time. You
need more time to mow the grass, more time to finish that project at work, more time to get
all your errands done. The other way to look at time is that there is always more time. When
you think of time this way, you know that whatever you don’t get done today, you can finish
tomorrow. If mowing the grass takes too long and your errands aren’t finished, you just
move them to tomorrow’s list. In the West, we tend to think of time using the first frame of
mind. In many African countries, they think of time from the second frame of mind. I’m not
proposing that there is a right or wrong way to look at time based on the above examples.
But I would propose that each way has its pros and cons.
Take the Western view of time. The feeling that there is not enough time leaves us feeling
pressured to get things done. The idea that time is limited makes us value the time we have
each day. At least it’s supposed to. When my oldest began attending Grove City College, the
President told the new freshmen that students who had jobs in addition to college did better.
He said that the need to manage time well caused them to study more effectively and get
better grades. However, there can be a downside to this idea of time. The pressure to get
things done can keep you from enjoying the moment. The thought that you have to use every
moment well can lead to anxiety and a lack of any downtime at all. I heard on the radio this
week that there is one thing you can do each day to lower your heart rate and stress levels.
It’s eating breakfast in total silence. Would your concept of time allow for that?
The African sense of time is opposite. In Africa, time is seen as endless. There is always
more time. That’s because there is always tomorrow. Yes, one day there will not be a
tomorrow for you, but you’re not supposed to let that change the way you live today. This
concept often allows them to live more fully in the moment without any pressure to think
about what is next. It can make for a more relaxed sense of the ebb and flow of life.
However, without deadlines, progress on any project can be difficult. This can also lead to a
lessened sense of accomplishment.
For the Christian, we must have our concept of time in both camps. Yes, we will have an
eternity to explore and enjoy God’s creation. But there will be a day when the ‘time’ to work
here on earth to proclaim the gospel will run out. So, enjoy today. Let tomorrow worry about
itself. But also spend time praying for those who don’t know Jesus.