‘Time’ – Giveon

Jane writes:

I love the radio. I was brought up on it really, and there was always one in the bathroom or in the kitchen long before tellies got everywhere or the advent of the Bluetooth speaker!

On a recent family festival trip, I even campaigned for space in the v. tightly packed car, for my portable radio. I was, in fact, allowed to take it.

In recent days – travelling home from the cinema – it was the car radio that revealed this delight. New music that stops you in your tracks. (as it happens, it’s from a film soundtrack of something due to be released this Autumn and it may within itself be enough to prompt me to take a look.) It’s a voice, music and words combo that pulls you in.

The time

We had together

A time

When all things were better

All of those moments

May have gone too soon

They meant so much

There’s a lot of grief and loss around in my life at the moment and for many of us, over the last few years, that’s been a constant. Often you push on through and it is not until you get a chance to stop and properly look at what has happened to you and those around you, that you realise what you’re really missing. My experience is that it comes in waves and the weirdest or tiniest things set you off on a path of repeated grief and deep reflection.

I never knew

For only now

Can I truly see

How much that time with you

That time shaped me

So even though I was unaware

It can be someone who was dear to you but also someone who influenced you in your thinking or approach to life. An early advocate for you or a “single moment” influencer and their loss reveals how you were shaped by a person and your encounter with them. You may not have seen them for years, yet their influence remains strong.

The time

When all things were better

Will stay with me

For as long as I remember

So much I have done

Has withered away

But never these memories I cherish today

I think the memory is a wonderful thing, and even the little glimpses of those moments of joy, laughter and downright happiness can lift the soul. The shared working, the solidarity when the chips were down, the humour in the face of grave pain, the silly photo that speaks of a situation that comes back to you as clear as day, the very odd flash of something that happened. All to be cherished in recognition of something precious.

How could I have known

Just how strong they could be?

They changed my life

In ways I can’t believe

In those moments

We’ll stay forever

And so I thank you

For the time we had together

There is a deep sense of thanks that comes mixed in with all the other emotions. This is true of all things I guess. Death yes, but also divorce, estranged friendships, drifting relationships and brief encounters. They all build us into who we are. The precious snippets of time lead us to a new place and there is no embarrassment in holding onto them for their “forever value.”

I wonder then, in this moment, if all that was the kind of process that the early disciples had to draw on when writing about Jesus. Trying to articulate how he shaped them, the impact he had on them, the value of his wisdom, and the ongoing legacy of his teachings and spirit-filled existence. They could have kept quiet about him but instead, they used their precious time to galvanise a new group of followers that might keep his memory alive and connect us with God. What does that teach us today about ourselves and the value of story and memory, about times shared and those we wish we could relive?

Let’s be bold about who we are and who we value(d). Thankful for the time we had together.

You can find out more about the artist Giveon here https://www.giveonofficial.com/