Kairos

Here in the third largest city in the U.S, often time takes on the form of schedules, routines, appointments, and is lived in increments of to-do's. It is not until a city escape to the woods of Wisconsin that time slows down from the rushed & hurried patterns of Chicago and the idea of Rest can be fully embraced in clear air, acres of land, and chats over a fire.

Open land, open sky

Fireside days

Too often we forget that success is not measured by efficiency, tasks, and individualism. Constantly aware of the minutes and seconds, we define time by workweeks and weekends so that it slowly drains our soul. Immersed in the fast-paced, never-enough-time train of thought, I forget that Jesus offers a contrasting view of time. An idea of time focused on relationships from the biblical word kairos, focuses instead on the opportunity for significant event. In the chronos view of time also mentioned in the Bible, time is reduced to segments and sequences dedicated to specific lists. It is no surprise that kairos is used twice as often in the New Testament, pointing to life as memorable moments apart from schedules and priorities.

Flannel on flannel

Not WI without Spotted Cow...

Being together.

Kairos means to be together and enjoy life with the people you love. 

This past weekend was one lived in kairos. Time moved slowly, gradually, and relationally. Discussions about the definition of the soul and human purpose over the fire... eggs & bacon when the sun comes up, looking up at the stars, flannel-clad cuddling, and four-wheeling interspersed with games of flag football is a weekend defined by kairos. Kairos means laying on blankets in the sun surrounded by the changing colors of the trees & porch-sitting in rocking chairs, sipping coffee, and watching the rain. 

We walk away from this weekend invigorated towards life in community and refreshed by simply being together. It's true: we were designed for kairos. 

Blankets in the sun... Rest.

As someone naturally wired towards success in the zone of academics, I have trained my School Self to be about tasks and papers and projects and presentations. But I must remember that this time is a gift, and if life is about people then my time must reflect that value. Being together in slow moving time gives the brain rest to focus and work. 

Play, Work, and Rest work together... that is how true kairos is lived.

[ ... and a few rounds of Fireball followed by a dance party never hurt either... ]

As given spirit animals for the weekend, here is Britt's frisky pony

{ all photos taken on 35mm film on the Diana Mini }