As an author, I am often asked, “When is the best time to write?” It is easy and trouble free to brush this person off with a trite response, such as, “Whenever you feel the urge.” Mostly, though, that question comes from the heart…the same as it did from me when I first thought about putting pen to paper. In other words, I take that as a serious question, and so I answer it seriously. I refer to the book, Beyond Imagination, specifically to the short story, Eight Hours to Live, and even more specifically to Principle Number Two…as follows:
PRINCIPLE NUMBER TWO: Time is precious and priceless
Consider diamonds.
What fantasy fills your mind when you imagine that fine gem that represents power, potency, and riches? It is the hardest jewel known, the oldest possession you can own, and symbolizes undying love. Formed in the deepest regions of Earth and brought to the surface by volcanic force, its age may be three billion years.
How often have you said, I wish I had more time to do this or that, when in reality you had plenty of time, it’s just that you failed to face the task at hand when you should have. Procrastination is a disease with which everyone deals. “Why not put off today what can be accomplished tomorrow?” “Drag your feet, everyone else does.” “Take your time, stall, hold back—”
At what point in time are you willing to recognize the value of time. After you have failed? After a relative has passed? After a love has been lost?
Time is fleeting and short-lived. It is here for the moment—and then it is gone. You cannot grab it, corral it, control or manipulate it. And most certainly, you cannot purchase it. It is precious beyond understanding and it is priceless beyond payment. It is a gift that cannot be given, a worth that evades affordability, and a possession that cannot be owned. And yet, this priceless and precious commodity is yours, every moment of every day, to do with as you will. You may use it, misuse it, or ignore it—whichever you choose you must recognize its fickle nature. It is here only for the moment, and then it is gone—forever, because Time is precious and priceless.
The Bog 