All my life I have heard the phrase the "Yin and the Yang" of life. My basic understanding of this term is it derives itself from an ancient Chinese theory that we have within us 2 forces that are battling one another in daily decisions, thoughts, and outlooks we perceive in life. The "Yin" is our passive side that has a more dark or even negative outlook on situations we face while the "Yang" is a more aggressive and active force that assists us to look at life in a positive manner...regardless of what circumstances we might encounter....Then...there is the ancient Greek outlook on life...the "Chronos and Kairos". This is what I would like to put focus on today...because I think the Sacred Scriptures were written in this thoughtful format...particularly in the New Testament.
First, the "Chronos" mentality on life is one of a quantitative nature. In other words, it brings to us a systematic view on each moment we face in life...like "to do lists": I will wake up at 9 am, I will shower at 9:15 a.m., I will have lunch with a friend at noon, I will mow my lawn at 2:30 pm...and on and on.
The "Kairos" mentality is different. It is a qualitative way of our thought life... like "What do I have planned that is important to do today?"...and focus on a "special" moment or moments rather than regimenting the time I arise or the precise time I will shower. A "Kairos" mentality will look forward to spending some time with their friend for lunch and what subjects might be discussed rather than the time we are to meet...and as far as what time the lawn gets mowed...who cares? (lol).
The general logic behind a "Chronos" train of thought is: each moment is valuable...and if you don't follow through and make the best of each second in life...it is gone, not able to be recovered, and swallowed up by Father Time. Time becomes a key factor in a "Chronos" mentality...kind of like a chain that lowers a casket into the ground, every minute adds one more link to the chain and as a result the casket is getting closer to its final destination. A "Chronos" mentality can bring pressures to our daily encounters, even stress, and causes decisions that one feels have to be made at that precise moment...even if it brings regret later. The "Chronos" outlook on life has the "Father Time" image depicted in the mind...an old weary bent-backed figure with a long grey beard, holding an hour glass in his hand to remind a person...time is of the essence. Some have expressed thought "Father Time" has a similar image that we portray in our minds of another figure..."The Grim Reaper"...and the logic that follows: "If I don't get this done now...death awaits".
Yet, the "Chronos" is not a wrong way of thinking...rather if not carefully balanced with the more free thinking "Kairos" mentality...a strictly "Chronos" mentality on life can steal the daily joys the Lord may have for us...particularly in areas like our relationships with others. We can get so wrapped up on what things need to be done...we lose the joy of enjoying those moments we share life with. Even in areas like personal prayer or reading the Sacred Scriptures, they too can be affected by a strictly "Chronos" outlook on life. For example: "I will spend some personal time in prayer today from 10 am to 10:20 am." Later in the day you may find yourself going over your "daily to do lists" and see if you have checked everything off that needs done...and you see that you checked off your time of personal prayer...but don't remember any contexts of what you might have been praying about". Same goes with Scripture reading: "Yes, I read my bible today...in fact I read from 8:15 am to 8:30 am this morning...I really didn't get what I was reading...yet the important thing...I got it done!"
In addition, sometimes a "Chronos" mentality will keep us from accepting help from others, or delegating tasks from a "to do list" that can actually not only help the "Chronos" person, but give an opportunity for someone else to bring joy and assistance when some "daily to do lists" are simply overwhelming. And while I am on this subject...sometimes inviting help from others actually helps the other person as well...because they are just "sittin' around doing nothing" anyways (lol).
Again, although I have been writing today on the "dangers" of a Chronos mentality, the "Chronos" outlook certainly has it's good qualities as well. One main example is a "Chronos" mentality has the potential to be well organized and unsuspecting surprises will not deter them from their goals.
It seems the ancient Greeks liked to personify life by depictions like "Father Time" within the "Chronos/Kairos" outlook on life. There are good things about both...and so I will continue in research...which is my way of saying: "I definitely need a part 2...and perhaps then some."
One more thing...Jesus seemed to lean toward the "Kairos" outlook on life...even from the beginning. I mean the whole idea: born in a stable in Bethlehem, baptized in water by a guy that ate grasshoppers, locusts and wild honey, associating with people from Galilee...not exactly your "upper or even middle" class folk, teachings like on the Sermon of the Mount, and then executed like a common criminal. His whole story doesn't sound like a "Chronos" way of thought...yet there is much more to come....
Lazarus...rising from the dead...Was that a "Chronos or Kairos" moment?...lol
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