समय के समक्ष
 In the Presence of Time
~ Gurumayi Chidvilasananda

When I saw the teaching, “The stewardship of time,” an image arose for me of being a flight steward on an airplane. Time is flying swiftly forward like the plane, yet inside the plane the passengers experience time moment by moment. My dharma as a flight steward is to attend to the passengers with engagement, graciousness, and mindful service. In each moment I can contribute to enhancing their experience of the flight.
 
Similarly, I am the steward of the time God has granted me to be here in this lifetime. My dharma is to make the most of this time, moment by moment, so that I may progress in my sadhana with joy and balance on my way to liberation. I trust that Gurumayi is flying the plane of my sadhana by guiding me now and forever.
 

For me, “the stewardship of time” requires the recognition that each moment can be an opportunity to merge with the eternal. When I exercise stewardship over my time with discernment, intention, and devotion, it becomes a vehicle for my transformation, a path to Self-realization and the Guru’s grace.
 
Living with this awareness of time as a bridge to the infinite means making time a sacred offering and a celebration of existence.
 

It has never been an easy task for me to be “the steward” of my own time. In the past I used to often act impulsively, making choices which were sometimes immature. Many years of following the Guru’s teachings during my sadhana have taught me to be more conscious, poised, and considerate of others, and to take more responsible choices and actions. My inner guide has grown stronger. By continuing to choose to commit to the teachings— for which I am forever grateful—I receive the privilege of being more conscious today. In that awareness, I am happy to feel the freedom to choose how to be the steward of my time in alignment with my heart.
 

I see the universe as a great orchestra that follows time under the baton of the divine Conductor—the ultimate “steward of time.” Being in harmony with time keeps me in alignment with God.
 
To accomplish this, like a spider that weaves its web with care, I install the thread of my activities into each of my days؅—creating an invisible time frame that serves as scaffolding I can use to build a wonderful building.
 

For me, “the stewardship of time” involves recognizing how precious and important time is and not wasting it or frittering it away. One way I recognize the importance of time is by being in the present moment and focusing on what needs to be done right then. In that way, I am taking care of time by using it in the best possible way in that very moment.