We Think We Have Time

We Think We Have Time

I talked many times in this show about time and how valuable it is. And I’m thinking again about time and how the older I get, the more I realize that time is one thing that we never get back. Money comes and goes, opportunities come and go. Even broken relationships sometimes find their way back. But one hour that is gone is gone forever.

And that’s why I appreciate each and every one of you that are tuning in. I know you’re doing something else, and that’s quite alright because that’s what it’s all about: providing you some great music.

As I said, I’ve always been protective of my time, but lately, a lot more. I came across a question that asked the Buddha, “What is the biggest mistake people make in life?” And his answer struck me. It was simple:

“They think they have time.”

Wow. Aren’t we all victims of that? Especially when we’re young, when we truly feel that we have all the time in the world. Every time I wake up in the morning worrying about someone who upsets me, or something I can’t control, it’s time that I gave away for free. Every hour I spend with someone who doesn’t value me is an hour I’ll never see again.

Frankly, I stopped arguing because that is the biggest waste of time. Years ago, if someone told me an elephant could fly, I would have spent ten minutes trying to prove them wrong. Today, I’ll probably smile and say, “Yeah, you’re right. I hope it lands safely.” Not because I agree, but because I don’t want to spend time trying to convince someone who isn’t interested in listening. It’s energy totally wasted.

I’ve realized that peace is worth more than being right. And silence often costs less than trying to explain. Not everyone deserves access to my time, or your time, or your energy. Some arguments are simply a misunderstanding, and also an invitation to drain my energy.

I progressively came to the realization that protecting my time isn’t selfish. It’s respect. Respect for the life I’ve been given. And that’s why I love music so much. A great song does something nothing else does. For three minutes or four minutes, time literally slows down. A melody can take you back to a memory from forty, fifty years ago. A voice can take you to another country. A rhythm can make you forget the worries waiting for you in the next room, or tomorrow.

Music never wastes your time. It certainly doesn’t waste my time.

So tonight, I promise you, you ain’t going to waste your time. Leave the noise behind and spend the next couple of hours with me with songs that have crossed all borders, generations, and stood the test of time.

Tonight’s Playlist