Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Kairos...


Have you heard of Amy Krouse Rosenthal?  She's one of my writing heroes ... she writes brilliant, unique children's book and entertaining adult books, AND has an inspiring and uplifting blog .... Mission Amy KR. Her most recent Thursday Thingy blog was titled, "Kairos and Chronos" (click on Mission Amy KR and it will connect you). When I first saw it, my mind immediately went to my work in Human Resources and Payroll. KRONOS was our timekeeping system for non-exempt employees ... simply because of that, I knew of the word and its Greek origin .... basically meaning 'chronological time'. But what was this 'Kairos'?

As you'll see if you read the post, it is also the Greek word for time ... but very different than Chronos time. Kairos time is special ... literally. It is the time in which something special happens. It's different for every person, depending on what is special to you, and you often don't recognize when you're in the midst of it.

In the blog post, Amy references another writer, and what she wrote - specifically with regard to a child wanting her mother to just stop and look at her - made me catch my breath.

We live in a world where, it seems, it is important to show how busy we are. Someone asks us, "How have you been?" We reply, "Oh, so busy!" Our attention is divided ... we are working, raising children, blogging, Facebooking, e-mailing, texting, trying to meet deadlines, attempting to get to practice on time, and the list goes on.

But, are we experiencing the Kairos version of time? Are we giving our children the Kairos version of time? For me ... sometimes, yes; sometimes, no. It is a great reminder for me personally ... to not just live each day hoping to check all the 'to do' items off my list, but remember to stop and experience all that is beautiful and special in life. So much so, that it becomes a natural part of me. Living the width of each day as much as the length.

12 comments:

Beth Kephart said...

amy so impresses me with her endless new ideas. but you impress me equally, with your kindness toward the world.

Anonymous said...

I must go and check her out!

You're right - we have to make sure we are not too busy to enjoy our lives and - above all - our children.

Susan R. Mills said...

Great post! It is so important to stop and enjoy the special moments. I try to, but I'll admit, I don't always succeed.

Kelly Polark said...

Excellent points.
I'm so sad today to have my children leave for the first day of school, but I have to remember to really stop and take them in when they are home. Because special moments with family are more important than anything.

Suzanne Casamento said...

I love that - living the width as much as the length.

I think I'm pretty good at the Kairos. But it's easier for me. I don't have to care for kids, so I have a lot more time to stop and recognize all the amazing things life is bringing me.

Unspoken said...

That is a great word. I want to live like that.

Kelly H-Y said...

Thanks for stopping by everyone ... love your comments!
Thank you, Beth ... you are so very kind yourself!

Anonymous said...

Oh Kelly How I Needed to hear this. I am so trying to slow down. I see my adult children 27 and 21 suffering from burnout at their young age. I hate it. . .it is so wrong! Thanks so much for the being the inspiration you always are!

Danyelle L. said...

This is a beautiful reminder to put the most important things first. Thanks for the link--am clicking over right now. :D

And how awesome is that? I love that there are two different words for time. :)

Barrie said...

A very timely (no pun intended) post for me.I'm so tired of being over-extended.

Susan Fields said...

Great post! It's so easy to get caught up in the busy-ness and forget to stop and enjoy. Now that my oldest daughter is in high school, I'm realizing the kids won't be at home forever, so I need to really cherish this time while I have it.

Kelly H-Y said...

Thank you for visiting ... I loved and appreciated each and every one of your comments.