The Value of a Day

Every person in this life has something to teach me — and as soon as I accept that, I open myself to truly listening. --Catherine Doucette



On Saturday night, I was standing outside of a church hall, waiting for people to come to an event I planned. I'm one of the coordinators for a contra dance in Eastern Connecticut. (Contra dancing is a form of dance that was popular in New England in the 18th century, and it evolved from early English and French country dance forms.)

While standing in the parking area, one of the old timers heard me marvel about how quickly the Summer had passed. I mused out loud about how it seemed impossible that we could be entering into a new dance season so soon (We take the Summer off from dancing). It seemed like only days before that we finished the last season, when in fact, it was months since we last danced.

I asked him why life seems to accelerate as we grow older--rhetorically, not really expecting a substantial or valuable answer. His response floored me. He said, "When you were one year old, a day was a significant part of your lifetime. Today, a day is but a small fraction of a much longer lifetime, and in contrast--it seems to move very quickly."

How profound.

I was reminded to listen to everyone, as I never know when someone might offer something wise. I will cherish his profundity for many years to come.