We have never gotten along well. In a culture of getting things done, you make us pause. As we make plans, you make us change them. When we make decisions, you compel us to consider them. When people are making decisions about us, you make us "stand by." It's never fun. Every doctor's and dentist's offices have rooms named for you. All of us have spent countless hours at your mercy, and yet you're merciless in your treatment of us. You have been the cause of anxiety, despair, and loneliness. If we spend so much time with you, why can't we learn how to get along?

How might we make you an ally, or even a friend? You annoy us most when we're rushing to get important things done, at least what we consider important. Maybe that's how we could start working on our complicated relationship.

You are a learned skill. As children we are taught to raise our hands with a question or comment. We are taught at an early age to stand in line, take turns, and otherwise develop the discipline of relating to you. Growing older means more time with you:  waiting for the "right" person to come along, waiting for the "right" job or assignment that will bring fulfillment, or sitting in traffic. In maturity we spend even more time with you as independence fades. You insist on going first and taking all the time you want. In a culture that values producing and doing over being, what can you teach us about ourselves and environment? How do we move from the constant stress and annoyance of co-existing with you to receiving you as a treasured care package from home? Sending text messages, checking email, and reviewing social media kills time, but normally doesn't leave us feeling fulfilled.What are ways to treat your friend, time, besides trying to "kill" time while waiting?