Faith & Insight: Time in a bottle

The late, great singer-songwriter, Jim Croce, longed to “save time in a bottle.” He longed to capture the sweet moments of life and to live them now and forever.

Time seems to travel at break-neck speed, but every now and then it seems to stop and sweet moments are frozen forever in time — in memories.

Cathy and I enjoyed such an experience on the Fourth of July. We took our friends, Dave and Patricia, out to dinner at one of our favorite restaurants. Dave and I are high school buddies, but we had not seen each other for many years. We really enjoyed reminiscing.

After a wonderful dinner, Dave and Patricia accompanied us to our daughter’s home. There Dave was able to visit with my parents and my brother. He hadn’t seen them since the early 1970s. Like many of my high school friends, Dave is especially fond of my father.

Afterwards, Cathy and I enjoyed the fireworks, being surrounded by family and friends.

The next morning, Cathy asked me if I had any chicken and pork belly in the pasta dish we both had ordered for dinner the night before. I answered, “Now that you mention it, I don’t believe I did. I enjoyed the food, but I enjoyed the conversation much more.”

I’m reminded of Solomon’s words, “Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.” Where love is, great memories abound — sweet memories of time spent with the ones we love-family and friends.

I may not be able to save time in a bottle, but I can make time for friends and loved ones. In doing so, sweet memories are created that will last forever.

I have to cut this short now. I have an important appointment. It’s time to hang out with my granddaughter, Arianna!

Ken Haskins is pastor of First Christian Church in Carson City.