Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Kindness and Wasting Time

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
~ J.R.R. Tolkien

I recently read a teaser to an article:  “Sometimes we just need to waste time with each other.”  It certainly grabbed my attention.  The article was about the importance of dialogue and conversation with those we love.  It also talked about the role of dialogue in learning.  But what resonated with me about the initial teaser – the wasting time bit – is how it connects to kindness.  I have friends with whom I waste time.  Sometimes it’s a silly conversation; sometimes it’s laughing and lingering after a meal.  Underneath what looks like wasting time is the desire to just be together, to revel in each other’s company – even if we are engaged in silly conversation.  What may seem to be wasting time with someone is really spending time – and sharing our life -- with that person.  And that is a gift.

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