Feature-The Chimes of Time

By Timothy A. Edward

As Sri Lanka recovers from the devastation of the recent cyclone and floods that displaced thousands and shook the nation, we are reminded of the fragility of life and the urgency of living meaningfully. Very soon, 2025 will be history. How important it is that we learn to number our days. If we are fortunate, we may live to be 70, though each additional year may take its toll. Yet life is not measured merely by years, but by how we choose to live them.

The Value of Time and Legacy

The promise of long life is indeed a blessing. I have seen many older, wiser people age gracefully and pass on peacefully. It raises a profound question: once we are gone, will the earth and its people remember us? While we are alive, we must live for something greater than ourselves, something that stirs deeply within us - what business circles call vision and mission. Our plan should be to see that mission fulfilled during our lifetime, and then to leave behind a legacy that blesses future generations.

Time, the Most Precious Commodity

Time, in all this, is the most precious commodity. Human resource practitioners often observe how individuals spend their time, for it is a strong predictor of their future. How we use our hours and days shapes not only our destiny but also the impact we leave on others.

Gratitude for Those Who Shaped Us

This year, I was fortunate to reconnect with friends from years past. Time changes us all, yet bonds remain. If we look deeply into our lives, we are reminded of all those who have left an indelible mark on us - parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, brothers, and sisters. Without them, we would not be who we are today. Then come our teachers, who shared their knowledge and time, teaching us the skills we needed for life. Not forgetting spouses and children, in-laws and extended family, who keep generations merrily rolling on.

Friends and colleagues also play a vital role, from childhood companions to those with whom we spend most of our working hours. Even casual acquaintances we meet along life’s journey leave impressions. This season is a good time to reflect on these relationships and be grateful.

Light in the Midst of Darkness

During this season, we witness business establishments lighting Christmas trees on a sober note, remembering the 2.1 million lives and 611,530 families affected by the floods in Sri Lanka.

Advent reminds us that Christ came into the world as light, so that we may reflect that light. Light helps us see and brings warmth. In our families, businesses, and communities, we are called to help others see more clearly, to understand their circumstances, and to live their lives fully in warmth and comfort.

The Presence Among Us

Historians tell us that during this season, the angel Gabriel and the heavenly hosts appeared to Mary, Zachariah, and the shepherds, saying: “Do not be afraid.” Times and seasons belong to God, who works in His time yet cares deeply for us all the time. Two thousand years ago, God entered time and space as a helpless Child, ‘Emmanuel’ - God with us.

This Advent season is a reminder that we are not alone: God has come down from heaven to tell us He loves us. God is with us, here to give us hope, to forgive our sins, to give us a new song, to impart faith, and to heal our spiritual and emotional wounds - our hurts, pains, and loneliness - as well as our physical struggles. He longs to rebuild our lives, if only we will let Him.

The Advent season also reminds us of the story that when Jesus was born, there was no room for Him in the world. Things have not really changed since that first cold night two thousand years ago. God is still on the fringes of most of our lives. This season, He continues to ask: where is the temple, we promised to build Him? That temple is none other than our own lives. He longs to dwell within us, so that we may become a blessing to others during this season and throughout the years to come.

Living Out the Creator

How do we know the Creator is in our midst? Ancient scripture gives us a clue: “What you did to the least of these brothers and sisters, you did for me. I was hungry and you gave me food. I was naked and you clothed me. I was thirsty and you gave me water. I was sick and you visited me. I was in prison and you came to see me.”

This season, let us live out the Creator by serving our brothers, sisters, and communities. In doing so, we affirm that God is not only with us, but within us.

As Sri Lanka rebuilds from the cyclone’s destruction, let us rebuild our lives with gratitude, vision, and compassion. Seasons will pass, years will fade, yet the chimes of time remind us that Emmanuel - God with us - remains. May we number our days wisely, live with purpose, and leave behind a legacy of light and love that blesses the present generation and generations to come.