Invisible Architecture of Time
Our shared human blindness perceives the peaks and valleys of our existence in real time. When we're young, we often cannot see the degradation happening around us, nor can we recognize when we're actually at our peak.
What feels like a trough may objectively be a peak, and what feels like a peak may actually be a valley when viewed from the long perspective (that only time can provide).
We live our early years in temporal myopia, unable to perceive subtle changes occurring within and around us. Around age forty and again around sixty, the degradation that was always present but imperceptible suddenly becomes undeniable. Recovery takes longer, names don't come as instantly, and boundless optimism gives way to measured assessment. Troughs are easier to identify because they're more concrete, yet even our perception of them can be distorted by our limited temporal perspective.
The key lies in developing pattern recognition through sustained observation and documentation. When we observe and journal consistently over years, we begin to see the cyclical nature of our energy, mood, creativity, and circumstances. The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of recognizing life's seasons and developing temporal wisdom, reminding us that "for everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven."
"A wise man's heart discerns both time and judgment." (Ecclesiastes 8:5)
We need to transform random experiences into systematic learning through documentation and reflection. While we can't guarantee better outcomes, we can develop the ability to learn from our own lives rather than simply living through them. As we continue our journey, this stepping stone teaches us that time's architecture is largely invisible while we're living through it, and the path forward requires developing practices that reveal hidden patterns, allowing us to navigate with greater wisdom and preparation.