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"Dad, why does this year feel like it's going faster than last year?" This was the question that my youngest son, Ted asked me one day. He was nine years old.
Does anyone have the answer to this question? Time really flies. Every morning, we are kindly reminded that the mighty Canadian winter is expanding its territory and we are moving closer to the end of year once again. Recently we have been flooded with news about the election, the crumbling economy and the fluctuating market. They make us worry or at least concerned. But I believe it is a good time for us to look back and reflect on the journey we have made throughout the year.
In my last pastoral charge, many members were involved in retail businesses like convenience stores. They started very early every morning and went to bed later than anyone else in the neighborhood. Many of them built up their assets not by making much money, but by failing to spare enough time to go out and spend it at leisure. One of the owners, "Mr. K.," shared a story he experienced about this time of the year.
One tedious afternoon – sunny outside yet chilly wind sweeping the street – a middle-aged lady stepped into his store. She looked somewhat nervous, cheeks flushed and obvious signs of hesitance to speak on her face. He thought she was looking for something. So he welcomed her saying, "Hello, can I help you?" The lady tried to avoid eye contact with Mr. K. and still seemed to have some difficulty finding words. He waited. Then she finally turned her head around and looked at him straight. She appeared nervous yet resolute, and he noticed some tears in her eyes; a strange combination he thought.
She opened her purse and put money on the counter. "So, how can I help you today?" he asked. He was eager to serve this unusual customer.
But the next thing he heard was something he didn't expect from a regular customer.
"I want you to take the money."
"Oh, it's nice of you but why?"
She explained, "Many years ago, when I was a teenager, I came to this store and, in the middle of crowded customers, I shoplifted a pack of cigarettes. I am sorry. I know that I shouldn't have done it, but I didn't know better.
"I know it may be too late and you are not the same owner. Yet I want you to take this money. I was struggling with this memory for many years. I'd like to resolve it now and make peace with myself, and if possible with you."
Mr. K. accepted the money from the lady with thanks from his heart for her courage and effort to make peace. After a brief encounter, the lady stepped out of the store. She looked very happy and peaceful.
This incident made Mr. K think about his own journey. He said, "It reminded me of the most important thing in life. It is making peace with others and with myself before it is too late. And it is never too late." He donated the money to a local charity. He said, "Even watching her doing it makes me happier. I think we all should do it."
In the middle of hectic schedules, I'd like to remind you of the most important lesson of our lives. True happiness doesn't come from our possessions. Rather, it comes from meaningful relationships. And meaningful relationships are established on foundations of love and forgiveness. As we approach an even busier time of the year, let us look around and see if there are any loose ends that require repair or return. Let us go out and resolve them. You will be happy, content and thankful, even in the middle of the dancing economy.
Time really flies. Let us do it before it is gone permanently.
