You may or may not be familiar with the late 80s song by Cher titled “If I Could Turn Back Time“. If you are, you have probably sung its chorus while reminiscing on a past pleasant experience or while wishing you could go back and do some things differently. I know I have, but I have also changed the lyrics to say, “If I could slow down time” when thinking of how much I have missed and am missing out due to the busyness and hurriedness of life.

Do you agree with the idiom ‘time flies’? And would you agree that the older you get the more time seems to speed up? Think back 25 years. Assuming that you are at least 45 years old, do you remember where you were on a day like today? Can you remember something in particular that brings joy to your heart? If you can, what if you could relive that very moment? Would you want to slow down time in order to enjoy it just a little while longer?

Sadly, some people look at time as a deadly dictator, especially those who go through life running the rat race. You know who they are; the ones who always have things to do, people to see, and places to go. Should they have some free time, they feel somewhat guilty and can’t wait to go after the next big thing/project. Consequently, they miss all the little things that are priceless and more meaningful and fulfilling.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to be successful and recognized for one’s accomplishments. However, when ambition becomes the main drive for success and self-worth is dependent on certifications, titles, net worth, and public adulation (what societies would have you believe), life can not be lived to its fullest. That’s because the true meaning and purpose of life can only be found when one knows the reason why they were created (born). And as much as one can try to find the answer in worldly pleasures and achievements, the human soul will continue to wonder insatiably until it goes directly to the One and only true source.

Unfortunately, even when convinced that time is precious and that there are more important things in life than money and prestige, most of us tend to get trapped by the cares of life, or in what I refer to as the hamster’s wheel. Eventually, we end up exhausted and realize that something has to change. So, we begin the next day with a new perspective and we purpose in our hearts to put our priorities in order. Then, without realizing it, we end up succumbing once again to live’s persistent deadlines, challenges, and temptations. Let’s face it, we cannot stop the clock or even slow it down one millisecond, but what we can do is literally stop to smell the roses and slow down enough to appreciate the better things in life.

I came across this fascinating video showing breathtaking images that can only be captured by using a high speed camera and then replaying the recorded stream in slow motion. Needless to say, it was what inspired me to write these words to ponder.

Did your jaw drop at any given point? Did you wow in slow motion as I did!? Imagine, this is what the naked eye is deprived of unless time and speed are brought to a near-halt. You can enjoy many more amazing slow-motion footages by following the link at the bottom of the page.

Now imagine if we could slow down enough to truly appreciate…

• Our children before they leave our lap
• Our parents before they enter eternity
• Our health before it deteriorates
• Our freedoms before they are taken away

and how about…

• A bonfire before its dies out
• A wave before it breaks
• A flower before it withers
• A sunset before it hides

Life can go from fast to supersonic if we keep focusing on and pursuing what we still don’t have. Or, it can slow down if we intentionally take time to appreciate what we already do. Notice that I said “take time” not make time. Time is all we have. If we do not learn to take time for the things that matter the most, they will be swallowed up and we will never get a chance to appreciate them again. That is why I believe that Thanksgiving should not be celebrated only once a year. Neither should Christmas, Mother/Father’s Day, Independence Day, Valentines, birthdays, and anniversaries. While these all offer the opportunity to stop and appreciate people and things, they are also designed to provide a quick fix to dysfunctional relationships and, of course, guaranteed profit to creditors! Instead, we should practice being thankful regularly. We should spend quality time with family and friends more often. We should say “I love you” frequently. We should take care of our bodies daily. And, we should celebrate life and freedom as much as possible.

“Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.” – Psalm 144:4

“What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” – James 4:14

Time does fly; It’s always in a hurry and waits for no one. However, that doesn’t mean that we have to do the same. Minutes, hours, days, and years, all fade like the morning fog, but the real meaningful things should not fade along with them. They should become lasting memories that give us peace, joy, and satisfaction. Nevertheless, they are not what bring true fulfillment to life. The only thing that can do that is knowing God, His plan for our lives, and how precious we truly are to Him. So much so, that He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus, to die as a ransom for our sins and thereby grant us the peace (fulfillment) that nothing or no one ever can. That is if we confess Him as Lord and Savior and live for His glory, not ours. Anything apart from that just helps us to exist contently. Living life to the fullest depends on WHO you know, not WHAT you do.

“You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” -John 8:32

“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12 

“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” – John 17:3

More slow-motion clips to enjoy
Macro Room – YouTube