"Time, time, time, see what's become of me, While I
looked around, For my possibilities..." (Thanks, Simon and Garfunkel.)
I work more hours of the day and week than I ever rest. I
spend more time staring at a computer screen than I do my backyard gardens, my
grandchildren's faces, or the pages of a favorite magazine. So, can the
argument really be made that we have no time to slow down and finger the
pages of a good book? I don't know. I can forget about my personal space and
choices and feel I am only worthwhile if I am moving in triple time--constantly
doing, doing, doing. It can't be good for anyone to see those things they might
want to accomplish in life sitting undone.
It isn't a good example for our students either. How can
they learn "down time" and stress relief and balanced choices if they
are witnessing teachers, parents, significant others always on the move. Trite,
I know, but it isn't quantity but quality.
Discussion on the pros and cons of the reading and search
capabilities of the Internet, and the implications of general computer use have
given way to a renewed belief I don't need to do everything in the shortest
amount of time. I have written some exhaustively comprehensive academic
research papers in my time, worthy of the "A" I received. My
"A" papers today will look different perhaps, having more
far-reaching references than I could have found in years past. But will the
"doing" of the search be as satisfying? Will the discovery and
conclusions be as profoundly rewarding?
If I take my time. Yes, if I take my time. No, if I make the
time via priorities.
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