Time as I’ve Known It

This past Saturday evening, I attended a high school reunion, a pretty significant one – our 40th. We had a rather festive gathering of about 60 people from a graduating class of about 180.  It seemed like a fairly good turnout in light of the fact that folks from our class live out of state now with demanding careers.  We have also had our share of deaths – 13 of our classmates are gone.  Some folks weren’t there for a variety of reasons – grandbaby births, children’s weddings, or the pain of high school drama and rejection was too much to bear again.  In the midst of the “how have you beens” and “what are you doing now” we all wondered “where did the time go?”

Earlier that day, I gave a workshop on Creation Spirituality, St. Francis and John Denver. It is a great experience providing an opportunity for people to pray, relax, and reflect.  I value taking time away and apart to just “be” and want to enable that for others.  I’ve spent the past several weeks delving into the music of John Denver, his life, his advocacy and spirit in preparation for the retreat.  I immersed myself into all things John Denver and had little time to reflect on my 40th reunion.  As I drove home at the end of the workshop, I pondered several of the questions I posed to the retreat participants.

John Denver’s song “Around and Around” from an early album cued up on my iPod.  As always, this song put into words the feelings I experience.  John Denver’s music and lyrics always do that for me.

This is my prayer and reflection for my classmates — and for you this day.

Around and Around

Time as I’ve known it
Doesn’t take much time to pass by me
Minutes into days turn into months turn into years
They hurry by me
Still I love to see the sun go down
And the world go around
Dreams full of promises
Hopes for the future
I’ve had many
Dreams I can’t remember now
Hopes that I’ve forgotten
Faded memories
Still I love to see the sun go down
And the world go around
And I love to see the morning
As it steals across the sky
I love to remember
And I love to wonder why
And I hope that I’m around
So I can be there when I die
When I’m gone
I hope that you will think of me
In moments when you’re happy
And you’re smiling
That a thought will comfort you
On cold and cloudy days
If you are crying
Still I love to see the sun go down
And the world go around And around and around

by John Denver
© Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.,Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Reflection Questions

Do you reflect more on the events of yesterday, those of today, or those of tomorrow? Why? How do you feel during and after those reflections?
What is your favorite time of day: morning, afternoon, or event? Why What feelings do you feel during your favorite time?
Which is your favorite season: spring, summer, fall or winter? How do the seasons of the year reflect the seasons of your life? What feelings do you notice when thinking about your favorite season?

Blessings,

Christy