Back to Basics December 29, 2025 Issue

How are we measuring time?

In the infinitude of God’s goodness, where we all really live, there is no time, no limitation, no human system of measurement.

Monica B. Esefer Passaglia

For many years, I worked as a software developer in the field of organizational development. I usually worked with large teams, and we would start with a project plan that included a detailed list of tasks, deadlines, and estimated completion time. We lived by the calendar, striving to fulfill the commitments the company had made to our clients.

Although it was helpful to work in an organized way, sometimes it felt as if we were slaves of time. You probably know the feeling. For example, it can seem natural to be stressed or tired during the month of December after working so hard to meet year-end deadlines. We may feel discouraged because we didn’t quite accomplish the goals we set for the year. Perhaps we are putting pressure on ourselves by coming up with countless resolutions for the new year.

I’ve found it helpful at those times to remember that a calendar is just a system for organizing and coordinating activities. It’s a human construct, not a law of God, so it has no real power to become a source of frustration or make us draw limiting conclusions about life and ourselves.

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