Choose wisely how to use your time

Upon returning home this past week from working at the motel, the girls quickly ran outside to complete their chores so they could get back on their iPad and watch some more movies. As Riyann ensured her chickens had water, Lilli began the process of walking the garbage bags to the dumpster. The scene had played itself out many times so for dad and mom, it was rather uneventful. At least, that’s what we thought.

No sooner than I had sat down, I saw the front door swing open briskly. As the door opened Lilli ran into the house, announcing that there was a huge raccoon stuck in the dumpster. The look on her face revealed that she was both concerned and startled by the little bandit, who was surely just trying to forage for a bit of human food. Being concerned that Riyann may have heard the commotion and, in her special way, disregard all words of caution and attempt to take hold of the cuddly creature, I rose and began quickly walking outside.

As I arrived at the scene of the trespasser, I called for Riyann who to my surprise was oblivious to what was going on. As I cautiously peered over the edge of the dumpster my eyes were met by the eyes of a juvenile racoon who appeared to be struggling from the intense heat and an inability to climb out of the slick metal walls of its once bountiful eating spot. Ensuring that I fully understood its anger, the beautiful creature voiced its disdain for me, spreading its arms as if to tell me to “bring it on, big boy.”

As I summoned the girls, I quickly retrieved a piece of wood and positioned the girls where they could see the animal while remaining at a safe distance. I placed the wood inside the dumpster and backed away. Within seconds the little racoon, using the wood, climbed out of the dumpster, looked at us and call me crazy, but I’m pretty sure it flashed me a head nod before running off into the woods. As the girls described how cute the racoon was, Riyann quickly ran towards the house.

Within moments she reappeared holding a plastic bowl which she had filled with water. When asked what she was doing, she replied that the racoon was thirsty, and she was taking it water. Despite my warnings not to follow the racoon, Riyann began tracking the exact path the creature took as it fled. As she neared the tree line, she placed the water on the ground and gingerly back tracked, ensuring she didn’t scare the animal. Proud that she had did her best to help the parched animal, Riyann cared not that she had lost sight of it, only that she had did her best to help it.

I remember hearing once that “Money comes and money goes, but time only moves in one direction. All we have the power and influence over is what you decide to do with the time you are given today.” As I think about that truth, I am reminded of Riy’s decision that day. For her, the most important choice she could make was to help a struggling creature. Likewise, you and I must find it within ourselves to utilize the time we have to truly make a difference. Our decisions of how we respond to others, how we fill our day, and what we hold dear to us will surely set the tone for our success or failure. Use your time wisely my friends. Look beyond self and into the possibilities of doing good as the time ticks on. For in the end, maybe, just maybe, the mirror will reflect a lifetime of service to our neighbors and a genuine commitment to all.

Richard J. Stephens lives in Carter County and is the father of three little ladies ranging in age from 9 to 29.