How do you use your time?

[This morning while clearing files in my computer, I found this note written about 3 months ago…]

“Money can buy time.” A rich guy once told me.

If you travel by public bus, it may take you 70 minutes of travelling time. But if you drive, it will take you a shorter time.

OK. I don’t dispute that. But what do you do with that extra time? Use that time to make more money?

A few days ago, my car’s air conditioner broke down and I have to send the car to the garage and was told to leave the car overnight. “Why do these inconveniences have to be on me?” I murmured to no one in particular. Maybe God heard it, I am sure. In my heart, I confess I am a bit angry at Him. For many years, I have not taken public bus home and also to go to work.

It was a renewed experience.

I needed to walk for about 400m to the bus stop from office. The bus came and I had to run to the bus stop, not wanting to miss it. Now, I saw so many faces, old and young. Many were deep in their own thoughts. Most of them were working classes. An old lady who got up the bus almost fell when the bus jerked. Some passengers then stretched out to support her. The bus driver stopped, turned back to check the safety of the old lady. I could not hear what he said as I have already moved right to the back of the bus. I think he made an apology. I could see the caring hearts of passengers, even the bus driver himself. Riding on the bus, I could for the first time looked at the surrounding building, the people walking on the streets and the shops along the way. Why didn’t I notice the buildings and the simple lives of people?

Did I miss anything, if I drive my car to work and home everyday? How little of the common folks that I loose touch. Life on the fast lane keeps one away from the grass roots, blind to the common people. Riding on bus, I could rest, reflect, enjoy the scene outside and pray silently. Consider it as a waste of time if you must, but I feel good to pause, observe and think. Best of all my heart begins to touch base with the people. I have been contemplating for a long time whether I am suitable for charitable work. This bus ride helped me to see where my heart is. Then it suddenly dawns on me. Perhaps … God planned all this.

Sure, I saved a total of about 80 minutes everyday, 400 minutes a week (5 working days); 20,800 minutes or about 347 hours a year. I must have saved 290 days since I started driving. That is almost a year. What have I used that amount of time saved for? Nothing much, maybe using that extra time to sit longer in front of the TV.

Perhaps, it’s time to consider driving the BMW – Bus, MRT, Walk since COE is now so high and my car is near expiry.

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12)

Agape