Being on Time

MABEL REED HYZER

According to the human sense of time, the sun, moon, and stars become visible to us during certain hours; the birds and flowers and fruit appear at certain seasons; the sowing of seeds and the reaping of grain are done regularly.

For guidance in our human affairs, time is measured; and that we may have orderly days, we do many things at certain hours. The instruments by which time is measured have changed progressively from the early sundials, water clocks, sand clocks, and other devices, to the reliable and beautiful watches and clocks of to-day. We are not, however, always grateful for our timepieces, as we often think the hands are moving too slowly or too swiftly to fit in with our affairs!

Much depends upon things being done at just the right time. The beauty of an orchestral rendering of a symphony depends largely upon the accurate rhythm maintained by the players. The playing of one instrument ever so short a time after it should have been sounded may mar a whole number. So it is with human experiences. One member of a family who yields to an inclination to tardiness may seriously mar the harmony of the whole household. A late comer at school may interrupt the work of the class. One who come tardily to church services may disturb many before he is seated and becomes attentive. How we admire and rely upon those who are always on time!

Christian Science teaches us how to cultivate the characteristic of promptness, thus expressing consideration for others, while bringing out in our own lives harmony and order. Many of our problems, including physical discord, may be traceable to the indulgence of tardiness.

On page 215 of "Miscellaneous Writings" Mary Baker Eddy writes, "Christian Science demands order and truth." There is no way to make progress along any line without order; and lack of order in one's thinking frequently results in one's being late. Planning, subject to divine guidance, may be both wise and necessary; to hold in one's thinking an orderly recognition of the tasks of the day is most helpful.

To be habitually in one's place at the right time is made possible not so much by watching the clock as by watching one's thinking. Being habitually much too early is not promptness, and may be a waste of time; and it is often as inconvenient to others as is tardiness.

What a comfort it is to realize that we may begin at once to express the qualities of thought which are bestowed upon us by our Father! Our love for others will inspire us to greater promptness as we consider the effect our movements are likely to have upon their affairs. Our desire to be truthful will help us to keep our promises, including those of appointments; and our wish to do all the good we can do will result in the effectual activity that excludes delay, confusion, and carelessness.

The beautiful healings recorded in the Gospels were all done promptly. Without an orderly manner of thinking and an accustomed promptness of action, Jesus could not have accomplished his great works. So it should be with us. The habit of being on time may result in unlimited good for others, and in a free, harmonious experience for one's self.

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." If we would have orderly days, it is necessary that there be "a time to every purpose;" and to this end we should cultivate the quality of promptness.

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