Time, our most valuable asset
Our most valuable asset is not land, gold, money, connections or status in life. It is plain old time. It is like a melting glacier. When we are standing on a glacier, we cannot feel it melting or receding. But take a before and after picture, several years apart, and the change will be visible. Similarly, at this moment, time may appear to be on our side and we don’t pay attention to it. But if we look back, 10, 20 or 30 years we can see how much of time has receded. No amount of money can buy it back.
Why is understanding the importance of time important? It will help us manage the present better. We have so many options available in terms of how to manage and use time. Most people choose the path of least resistance and pick whatever brings them personal comfort. Whatever time we have, when used for the benefit of others is the most worthwhile use of time. We readily spend our time to help the immediate family who we love. But outside this narrow circle, we are stingy with our time. Idle pastimes are the junkyards where we discard time allocated to us.
We all have an internal clock that beats 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our heart, it is a fist-sized organ but it supports such a large body. Similarly, we may be an individual, small and insignificant in relation to the world and humanity but just as the small physical heart with its fragile muscles can support us our entire life, each of us is capable of helping others in one way or another.
Nature does not waste time. There is always growth in one form or another somewhere in Nature at any given moment in time. We have a lot to learn from Nature. The growth we seek is in our personal wealth, the size of our houses, the number of cars. But this growth is a dead end. It serves no purpose in the big picture of existence.
If we understand the value of time, that is the most valuable piece of information we can ever hope to have. With the proper use of time, we can do immense good to the world. The world could use growth in the number of people who give good guidance to others, without any expectation of a return. Time gives us the right guidance in every moment. It teaches us everything is temporary. It is alright to enjoy everything but discard thoughts related to the past just as time discards the past. The way to the future passes through the present. How we use this gift of time determines tomorrow.
Rather than seeking additional resources from Nature for our personal comfort, if we use the most precious resource we already possess, which is time, the world will benefit. When the world benefits, we are taken care of.
Blessings to all
Swami Ponnurangam
December 9, 2018
Why is understanding the importance of time important? It will help us manage the present better. We have so many options available in terms of how to manage and use time. Most people choose the path of least resistance and pick whatever brings them personal comfort. Whatever time we have, when used for the benefit of others is the most worthwhile use of time. We readily spend our time to help the immediate family who we love. But outside this narrow circle, we are stingy with our time. Idle pastimes are the junkyards where we discard time allocated to us.
We all have an internal clock that beats 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our heart, it is a fist-sized organ but it supports such a large body. Similarly, we may be an individual, small and insignificant in relation to the world and humanity but just as the small physical heart with its fragile muscles can support us our entire life, each of us is capable of helping others in one way or another.
Nature does not waste time. There is always growth in one form or another somewhere in Nature at any given moment in time. We have a lot to learn from Nature. The growth we seek is in our personal wealth, the size of our houses, the number of cars. But this growth is a dead end. It serves no purpose in the big picture of existence.
If we understand the value of time, that is the most valuable piece of information we can ever hope to have. With the proper use of time, we can do immense good to the world. The world could use growth in the number of people who give good guidance to others, without any expectation of a return. Time gives us the right guidance in every moment. It teaches us everything is temporary. It is alright to enjoy everything but discard thoughts related to the past just as time discards the past. The way to the future passes through the present. How we use this gift of time determines tomorrow.
Rather than seeking additional resources from Nature for our personal comfort, if we use the most precious resource we already possess, which is time, the world will benefit. When the world benefits, we are taken care of.
Blessings to all
Swami Ponnurangam
December 9, 2018
