Thoughts on time

"TIME," BY PINK FLOYD

You are young and life is long
and there is time to kill today

And then one day you find
ten years have got behind you
No one told you when to run
you missed the starting gun

And you run and you run
to catch up with the sun
but it's sinking

Racing around
to come up behind you again

The sun is the same
in a relative way
but you're older

Short of breath
and one day closer to death

Every year is getting shorter
never seem to find the time


I remember driving to Burns Arena for graduation. I had to say something to sign off the commencement ceremonies, and I hadn't given it much thought. I had Bob Marley pumping through my stereo on the way over, and inspiration came just in time. "Don't worry ... about a thing ... 'cuz every little thing ... is gonna be alright."

Then, someone hit the fast-forward button.

Prior to that graduation ceremony, it seemed like time slogged along and everything was at a leisurely pace. Then, not so. It's 10 years later, more than one-third of our lives, and it's frightening how quickly it happened. Like sands through the hourglass, these are the days of our lives, right?

Now, I'm not one of those who thinks "living life to the fullest" means every day should be filled with skydiving and eating bugs in the Dominican Republic. For most of us, that kind of lifestyle just isn't practical, and there are plenty of things that add meaning to life other than bucket-list thrills. But I do know that it's important to take opportunities to be with friends, and it's also good medicine to reconnect with your roots from time to time. No matter if you hate high school or loved it, reuniting is important.

About eight years ago, I had just returned home from a "two-year religious sabbatical" in Washington, D.C. One night, some high school pals popped in at my house around 11 p.m., as I recall, wanting to steal me away to go watch a movie. I was tired. It was inconvenient. And I was even more socially awkward than usual due to 24 months in conquistador mode. I went out anyway. It was a small thing, but it was such good therapy, spending some time with old friends.

This reunion will be good therapy, and plenty of fun to boot. You have one chance -- one, in your entire lifetime -- to be in the same place with your old classmates 10 years later. If you loved high school and had lots of friends, you have plenty of reason to re-live the glory days. If you hated high school and felt out of place, well you're like most of us. Those in this latter category need to pass the tipping point and register. Even if you hate the reunion, at least you won't have any regrets. At worst, it will be a totally unique experience, unlike what you would probably do instead (pass out watching Mythbusters, am I right?).

Do the right thing and come, even if it's a little inconvenient or you feel awkward. You'll either be pleasantly surprised or at least be able to say you didn't cop out.

Plus, you're getting toilet-papered if you skip. ;)