Reflections on Time: In the here and now

This morning, I was reminded of how fleeting and unpredictable life can be. I received the news that Father James Bernstein, the Orthodox author of *Surprised by Christ*, passed away. Meeting Father James a few years ago when I became a subdeacon was a memorable experience. His wisdom and kindness left a lasting impact on me. Recently, I’ve been guiding a Jewish friend on a similar journey toward Orthodoxy, starting with Father James’s book. I had hoped that we could travel to Paulsboro, Washington, to meet Father James and have enriching conversations. Unfortunately, that opportunity is now gone, highlighting the reality that we never know when our time will come. This realization has made me ponder the transient nature of our lives and how important it is to make the most of every moment.

Earlier today, I had a close call on Highway 395 just north of the Tri-Cities in Washington. A semi-truck in front of me prompted a quick lane change. I checked my mirrors and, seeing no one, moved over—only to realize there was a car in my blind spot. The driver’s horn blared, a sound that seemed to last forever, though it was only a few seconds. I waved in apology, even though they couldn’t see or hear me. This near-accident made me reflect on how we must be aware of both the present moment and the long-term implications of our actions.

This incident also brought another thought to mind: the impact of our actions on others. The driver who blared his horn at me may now have strong opinions about me. He might tell the story of “that idiot driver who almost got him into a wreck.” This made me think about how, through our actions, we inevitably become characters in other people’s stories. Sometimes, even if we don’t mean to, we end up as the bad guy in someone else’s narrative. Reflecting on this, I am reminded of the Bible verse, “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them” (Matthew 7:12, NKJV). This teaching encourages us to consider the impact of our actions on others, striving to act with kindness and understanding, even in moments of stress or haste.

Who are we? Who do we become as time goes on? Who are we in the eyes of other people? How do time and our actions impact ourselves and others around us? The answers to these questions are revealed through the passage of time and our own actions. It is how we use that time, the actions we take, and how we choose to grow—either wisely or unwisely—that will answer these questions definitively.

Time seems to flow at an astonishing pace, especially on the road. Today, I’m picking up a load in Portland to deliver in Fontana, California, by Wednesday morning. After that, I’ll pick up another load in Chino and head back to Portland by Friday. My current student will soon graduate from my truck and start his own journey, leaving me with a few days of solitude before my next student arrives in early July. This brief respite will allow me to go solo camping in the North Idaho woods, a personal pilgrimage of sorts, full of reflection and prayer. This trip is a deliberate effort to set aside time for spiritual growth and renewal, tying into the overarching theme of the passage of time and being mindful of our actions and their impact.

Yet, even this time will pass swiftly, and before I know it, July will be here, and I’ll be back to the relentless pace of work. The Bible reminds us to always be ready: “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24:44, NKJV). This verse emphasizes the importance of living with readiness and intention, being prepared for Christ’s coming at any moment.

As I reflect on these experiences, I am reminded that life happens in the here and now. We must navigate the present while being mindful of the future. Through prayer, reflection, and action, I strive to live a life that honors the fleeting nature of time and prepares me for the eternal. Our actions, whether intentional or accidental, weave us into the stories of others. This realization calls for mindfulness and compassion in all we do.

Yes, all these things are happening—my student graduating, my upcoming camping trip, and getting my next student at the beginning of July—but even that, before I know it, will be over. Before I know it, my camping trip will be done, I will have my next student, and before I know it, he will already have graduated, and it’ll be August or even September. Time keeps moving on and doesn’t stop. This is why we have to be mindful and aware, making the most of every moment we are given.

Thanks for reading my friends. I hope all these different jumbled thoughts are cohesive enough and make sense. I pray that you all are well, and I am so thankful that you are following along on my orthodox trucker journey.  Oh, and Memory Eternal to Father James Bernstein.

– Orthodox Trucker