As we approach the end of another year, nothing could be more appropriate than the attitude of thankfulness and giving…Thanksgiving. We are thankful for God’s mercy and guidance. We are thankful for the opportunity to provide a service to our community.

As the holiday season nears, we think of holidays past and the loved with whom we shared them. Childhood days, family traditions, the change of seasons, the colors of fall. What a wonderful world!

As I write, I think about these things, but do I make the time to cherish them?

Many scientific and technological advancements have come into our lives, designed to save us time. Time to do what? Pay more attention to the devices that are designed to save us time?

I am old enough to remember a time when if someone could not reach you on your home or office phone they left a message, or a really long time ago in the 80s they called you back at another time. Today with cell phones and email, immediate replies are expected.

Example: Three minutes ago I received a telephone call from someone who wants some information from me. I have the information at the ready, but he is someplace that he can’t write down the information he wants from me. I explain that I am writing an editorial. He says he will send me an email so that I can respond to his email and send him the information.

Just now, I receive another phone call from this person, asking me if I have responded to his email. I tell him that I am writing and have not checked by email.

What’s the hurry?

Everything on earth
has its own time
and its own season.
There is a time
for birth and death,
planting and reaping
for killing and healing,
destroying and building,
for crying and laughing,
weeping and dancing
for throwing stones
and gathering stoner
embracing and parting.
There is a time
for finding and losing,
keeping and giving
for tearing and sewing,
listening and speaking
There is also a time
for love and hate
for war and peace.

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8

Take time to enjoy your family, enjoy your friends, enjoy your culture. Don’t take yourself too seriously.

This is our time.

Shalom.