Pushing back against the god of time management
At the store yesterday, I watched an unusual scene unfold. An elderly couple stood at the end of the check-out conveyer belt to put their items in sacks, I guess because an employee was not available. The woman moved with more agility and looked younger; the man stumped over slightly and moved slowly. The wife captured my attention, because rather than bag all the groceries herself (she was obviously faster), she chose to show her husband how to arrange items in his bag. He was not forced to spectate. He was allowed to participate. It was a beautiful picture of affirming someone’s dignity and value over expediency.
Just the day before I had gone to a restaurant to pick up lunch. As is the norm on many days, I was pressed for time. The person behind the cash register demonstrated a bit of developmental delay and social awkwardness. Rather than seeing a person of value and worth, I saw a person who was slowing me down. Thankfully, I did not demonstrate any outward frustration or disapproval( I hope), but looking back, I realize that I had chosen efficiency over dignity. And so has our culture at large.
We get impatient when we have to wait for anything—the server to refill our drink; the slow driver to change lanes; the child to finish their work without our interference; an elderly parent who can’t quite find the right words. Often, we demonstrate our disdain and judgment, leaving the other person feeling less-than, inept, unvalued, and ashamed because they are taking too much of our time. What does it profit a person to gain two minutes of their time and lose their ability to love?
I’ve been asking myself what would it mean for me to forego the sense of accomplishment for getting through my to-do list so that I can affirm others by my attitudes and actions. I think it’s a good question for all of us.
Pam Gibbs 
Leave a reply to Pam Gibbs Cancel reply