On this day, many of us share our precious time and space with various people, either by choice or because it’s necessary.  My question to you is, when was the last time you thought about how you shared your time and space with others?

Knowing that there are 1,440 minutes in a day, you and I have various decisions regarding our time and space. Making each minute count is crucial because we are all given the same 24 hours.  Therefore, it’s up to us how we make a difference in the lives of others and ourselves, one minute at a time.

As I prepared to write my thoughts this morning, something resonated with me about time; however, I could not forget about space.

Time and space are also related to the pandemic.   As the COVID-19 Pandemic continues to decline, each time I walk into an establishment, there are people still wearing masks.  What dawned on me was in most cases, these people were willing to share their time, but not necessarily their space.

Many of us are trying to return to our everyday lives; however, we must respect the space of others in the process.

I, too, continue to practice what I preach in respecting the space of others when I visit older adults.

Although some of the individual’s homes I enter are not wearing masks, I wear a mask as a sign of respect. If they say it’s okay to remove it, I will.

I’ve also seen peer pressure where an individual walks in wearing a mask and removes it because no one else has one on.

Two of my sisters are sharing time and space on a 21-day cruise this week. The two of them planned it last year, and I’m so happy for them.  I believe their first stop was in London.

I can only imagine the excitement each morning of waking up in different parts of the world, sharing their time and space.

I’m also reminded of time and space when I get up early each morning and catch the sun coming up.  The peace and quietness of the neighborhood with no traffic on the roads and occasional early walkers getting it in before the heat of the day.

For those that have dogs, they will let you know when it’s time and sometimes crowd your space reminding the owner they need to go outside.  Mine, reminded me early this morning.

As many know, the summer solstice arrived on June 21, 2023, and the year’s longest day is now behind us.  Therefore, time and space have different meanings for those on vacation, like my two sisters.

In answering the question about time and space with others, it really amounts to how we spend our time.

When you and I look at our calendars, we can figure out where our time goes and who we will spend it with; on the other hand, it’s the value of that time.

Knowing that we only have so much time in a day, our time is being competed for in many areas of our lives.

Maybe you’re like me and have several routines that you do each day at a specific time in a particular place which adds value to your life.

Maybe you’re at an age where time appears to be running out, and the space you are in works best for your needs.

In every situation, we must choose how we spend our time and the space we want to share with others.

Last week I was honored to spend some time and share some space, with my 102-year-old grandmother.  While doing so, I also attended Mass at a Catholic Church in the local area. I was in a space I had never been to, while knowing time and space allowed me to be there.

In addition, last Saturday, I was honored to spend some time and share some space with a brother Knight turning 102 on August 3, 2023, God willing.  As he and I spent time together talking about life, I thought about the commitment of time and space that has brought us together each month over the last two years.

I received different perspectives about time and space in each situation in these settings.

First, my grandmother was humbled that I had traveled from Alabama to Virginia to see her. Second, the Church that I visited perceived me as an outsider.  Third, my brother Knight received me with open arms, which has been the case since my first visit.

However, in all three situations, the time and space that each offered was a choice in fulfilling my purpose in life.

I have learned to value my time and space in life just as you must do as well.  As a reminder, each of us has the same amount of time each day, however, how we use it is up to us.

Ben Franklin say’s “He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else.”

Therefore, I try not to make excuses for anything.

Put another way, “You will never “find” time for anything.  If you want time, you must make it.” -Charles Buxton

Finally, I’m reminded of what Jim Rohn says “Life is not just the passing of time.  Life is the collection of experiences and their intensity.

In my travels the last two weeks, Jim Rohn’s quote reminds us of our “collection of experiences and their intensity.”  Therefore, how we spend our time and the space we choose to be in while spending that time is essential.

Have a great week, and enjoy the time and space spent with others while making your collection of experiences!