Moment
"A cultural moment is the period of duration of a uniform set of preoccupations, emotions and meanings within a community. It consists of the things that people regularly allude to in their thoughts and their talk regardless of what is happening in their personal or work lives.”
- the Wenglinsky Review
I am hearing frequent references to the idea that we are currently in a “moment.” It usually comes with a sentiment or feeling that things are going particularly well or horribly due to prevailing political attitudes or cultural ideas.
Regardless of whether or not you believe this “moment” is a particularly good one or not, it is hard to ignore the fact that this time in history feels weighty and significant.
It is a time defined by circumstance, and a lot seems to be changing or hanging in the balance. We have been using the word “pregnant” to define how things feel.
When the Greeks talked about time, they used two very distinct ideas:
Chronos - chronological or sequential time
Kairos - the proper or opportune moment
Chronos is the way that people usually think of time. It is a measurement, period, or method of tracking things. But Kairos is more like the way people are defining the current moment. It is almost like the ‘time” is right or rich with opportunity.
Christians believe in a Kairos version of time, but see it in a very different way. Ecclesiastes says, “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens.” You might remember that from the famous song “Turn! Turn! Turn!” by the Byrds that sang those same verses.
We believe that there is time for everything, but there is a proper or Kairos time. Doing life on your own, without sourcing any wisdom from God or the wise counsel of others, feels a lot more like Chronos. I often encounter leaders that are in such overwhelm that just getting the next thing done seems to be their only focus.
To look at things with a Kairos version of time requires margin, thoughtfulness, humility, and the willingness to release some of the white-knuckled control we seem to have over the timing of everything
If you have lived that kind of reality for too long, giving it up can feel unfamiliar and a little scary. But almost without exception (because a few never make the journey), finding a life…
where you are strategically looking for the opportune time
when you are praying for wisdom as to the proper moment of things
where you allow room for wise counsel to have it’s say
…is about finding a place of freedom and peace.
It is the place of easier burdens and lighter yokes. It is the place that is knowing there is a time for everything to get done. It is a proper and appointed time. Living with that version of time will change everything in your life. It is why we apply a sort of “force majeure” to these ideas.
Consider
Do you feel like you are white-knuckling your life?
Are you just sequentially trying to get through the next set of things that have to get done every day?
Do you live with any sense that things are happening as they should and at their appointed time?
What kind of rescue would it be for you to live with more of a sense of Kairos in your life and leadership?