The Paradox of Our Time

Morning Story and Dilbert

Vintage Dilbert
August 21, 2013

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings, but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy it less. We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgement; more experts, yet more problems; more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry too quickly, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom and hate too often.

We’ve learned how to make a living, but not a life. We’ve added years to life, not life to years. We’ve been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbor. We’ve conquered outer space, but not inner space. We’ve done larger things, but not better things. We’ve cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We’ve split the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We’ve learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion; big men, and small character; steep profits, and shallow relationships. These are days of two incomes, but more divorce; fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the show window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.

Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember to say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

By Dr. Bob Moorehead
20 comments
  1. I needed this reminder this morning. It’s so easy to get caught up in the minutiae of running a household that I forget to stop and appreciate that our children will never be this young again. Peace be with you – Kelly

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  2. You sent the coffee scale to a whole new level with this one Kenny T! Excellent post, and so true! 🙂 Dave

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  3. Reblogged this on imconfident and commented:
    This is a wonderfully written piece that brings many of my thoughts together. Many people think they have so much in this world today, but in reality, they have very little of what is really important. People are far more valuable than any possessions yet too often we don’t take the time to cherish our loved ones and realize that our life on earth is very short. Today is all we have. Yesterday is gone and we may not be here tomorrow. Spend time with your loved ones today and show them how valuable they are. Remember that you are valuable too!

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  4. Reblogged, Kenny. Great post. Thanks so much for this great reminder. Connie

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  5. Great post! I think this is my favorite of all the ones I’ve read here.

    Blessings ~ Wendy

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  6. I have read this piece many times before but it touches the soul every time I do.

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  7. Couldn’t help but notice the first four paragraphs have to do with the futility of filling one’s life with possessions and projects. The last five sentences have to do with the deep satisfaction of relationships, our relationship with Jesus being the most important. Why do we allow our priorities to get so messed up?! Why is it so hard to remember: Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33)? I like the way Eugene Peterson says it: “Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met (THE MESSAGE). Lord, help me embrace your wise ways, not the foolish ways of the world!

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  8. Reblogged this, it’s too good not to. Besides, I haven’t posted anything myself in about three weeks, so at least there’s something new… 😉

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    • You can re-blog anything / anytime from MS&D and take it easy for awhile!!!! LOL

      Take Care and God Bless 🙂 Kenny T

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  9. Yes, and it’s going to get worse; but for those who have faith, Jesus is the cure! 🙂

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  10. I missed this one when it was published a couple of weeks ago. It is so so so well written! I need to re blog and will in a couple of days. I posted something today already. This needs to be read by THOUSANDS of people!

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