Early, On Time and Late (What to do with Time)

Early is on time, and on time is late.

This is a blog post that might "step on your toes", offend or make you feel better about yourself, yet it's about time. Get it. Time. Hahaha. I'm so funny.

As a young kid my parents attempted to instill the importance of being somewhere way before I thought it was necessary, yet as an adult, I understand why my parents did this. We were at church at least 30 minutes prior, going to appointments we were always early, even waiting for the school bus at least 10-15 minutes early. I don't recall a time that I missed the bus. Now that I'm married with kids, in the fast-paced world, time is ticking faster than I know what to do with it.

Yet the reason for this blog: my son is late to school, church, appointments, almost everything every day. It's a struggle to get him out of bed to go to school. We explain that my wife works part-time as a Lunch Lady at our daughter's school and I'm a part-time accompanist, where I'm an independent contractor through the school. So we only get paid when we clock in. We're not salary. I'm not complaining, just explaining this concept to our son. We're so grateful to work in the school system. My business is salary, yet I don't always offer "make-up" lessons for my students, so I get paid whether students attend or not. Our son keeps saying, "You both (my wife and I) get paid to work at the school, I have to go to school and I don't make any money so what's the point". Go to school, get an education, learn ideas for a trade, help others be successful and serve them and always give your best in everything.

Yet there are times that students arrive earlier and if I don't have a lesson occurring at that moment, I go ahead and meet with them. Over the 14 plus years of teaching lessons through my studio, students have forgotten lessons or come really late. However, I still do everything that I can to start lessons prior to them attending.

The saying that when you're on time you're late and early is on time. Life can affect us in a busy culture, so I'm not trying to cause an argument or discourage you. I need this too. Just explaining the importance of time management. Start making "To Done" Lists, plan ahead, be prepared (Boy Scout Motto when I was a kid), leave a bit earlier.

Although there are times that I'm late, because I convinced myself that I would get to where I need to be on time. Or my family makes me late. I don't like that feeling, yet I have to accept it. I have to explain to my students, the teachers I work for, when I played for my church, going out with family or friends, going to the Dr or any situation, I'm sorry for being late. Most people might say it's fine, yet it doesn't need to be a continual habit of my/our lives to be late to everything. We all have responsibilities that need to be accomplished in the time allotted.

I'm not trying to sound like a jerk, yet I'm trying to make sure that my son understands the importance of time management. Do what you can, giving your absolute best. Don't stress about what you can't control. Make time to rest and relax. Do something you enjoy.

We don't have enough time in this spinning world, yet we need to make sure that we, including me, respect other people's time. They are waiting patiently.

“Better three hours too soon than a minute too late.” – William Shakespeare. “Being on time shows you respect other people's time, while being late shows that you value only your own.” – Anonymous.

What are your thoughts? I'd like to know. I'm not trying to be a jerk. Please don't read into it. I'm not trying to judge you at all. I have enough issues in my life. This is a brief blog that could expand on forever. Please don't beat yourself up, just do the best you can. Thanks for your support. Blessings.