Time

TIME

Time suddenly became aware of herself. She was still quite young but was reaching the age of maturity. Because she had wasted her youth in pursuit of Instant Gratification and other less worthy companions, she was exhausted and depressed and knew that she was approaching a real crisis.

Time's parents were very well known to all in their kingdom called Earth. Creator was her father, and Eternity was her mother. Now, Creator and Eternity were very loving and kind parents. They created Time as their only child and knew that they had been very good parents - loving her, nurturing her, and allowing her to discover how precious and important she was in Earth. They watched as she made mistakes, sought out unworthy companions, and wasted herself running after possessions she quickly grew tired of. They told Time that soon she would have to use herself and her many excellent qualities for more noble and lasting endeavors.

Time was presently spending many hours with a new companion whose name was Past. Past could at times be a real friend to Time if they spent their days together learning from each other. Time learned that Past had some troubling memories and that when she had these memories her demeanor changed and even her actions. Why, frequently, Time didn't recognize Past at all. She wanted her friendship and wanted to be a good friend to Past but when Past changed so constantly, she just didn't know how to act with her.

Past also had a way of appearing when Time didn't even know she was there. Time could be reading or eating or trying to sleep, and suddenly Past would appear. She could be playing with Forgetfullness and, suddenly, Past would be there with them. Time was embarrassed sometimes when Past appeared, seemingly out of nowhere. She didn't know what to say, or what to do, or how to explain these sudden appearances to her other friends or even to herself. She wanted to keep Past as a friend, but if she didn't soon get some answers or explanations she just didn't know what she would do. She felt sad for Past at times because Past didn't want to be this way. Past wanted an orderly and predictable life also. Past wanted to play with Time and she especially liked Forgetfullness.

When Time played with Forgetfullness nothing seemed to bother her. She seemed freer somehow, and nothing mattered except what they were doing that very moment. If Past wanted to join in their play, everything suddenly changed. A darkness and heaviness seemed to hover over them and their actions were no longer spontaneous and free.

The same things happened when Past and Forgetfullness played together. They were free, happy and spontaneous. But when Time wanted to join them, their freedom, happiness, and spontaneity disappeared. It just seemed that Time was constantly torn between the friendship and companionship of Forgetfullness and Past. She wanted to like them both, but she really enjoyed being with Forgetfullness the most.

***

Time decided to go to her parents with this dilemma. She spoke with her father, Creator, and his advise was very sound. He said that Forgetfullness was a good creation but she didn't have to be with Time in all situations. Certain situations were quite appropriate for Forgetfullness. He advised Time to learn which situations were the good ones and which situations weren't so good.

When Time went to her mother, Eternity, her mother told her a good balance between Past and Forgetfullness was advisable. She assured Time that both friends would always be around and that to abandon one in favor of the other was not a good idea.

Time was pleased with the answers she received from her parents and felt assured that somehow she could keep both friends. She determined not to be afraid when Past's moods would change or her behavior seemed different. She used these times to talk with Past. They learned from each other and discussed the things they learned with Forgetfullness.

In time, Forgetfullness opened up with Time and Past revealing that she had buried many things deep in her heart and fearing that no one would love her if these things were ever disclosed. She had lived with her secrets and dark memories for so long that it was a relief to know that at least two of her friends would not scorn her when they knew these things. She began to feel free and as she felt free so did Time and Past.

When they were together, Time could see that Past liked feeling this new freedom. As Past spent many hours and days with Time and Forgetfullness, she found herself not changing so much. Time noticed that her moods were more under control and she was able to join in their play like she never had before. She liked discussing things with her friends and learned that she could trust her memories with them. She did this very slowly, but each time a new memory surfaced and was thoroughly and tenderly discussed, Past said that she felt less and less like an outcast and more and more like a real person.

Time, also, saw changes in herself. She began to mature and became less self-centered and more patient with herself and others. One day, a meeting was held in Earth and some decisions were made. Two people were to receive new names and one person was to receive a very special honor.

Past's name became Present, Forgetfullness became Remembrance and Time received the honor of Maturity.

THE END