My parents tell me that when I was less than three years old, I would wander around the garden with a little basket in hand saying that I was going to the market to buy ‘Atto pork’ (tomatoes and pork for the ignorant! ) for my husband who was in Goa. I’m not sure how I conceived this story but my brothers always teased me about ‘my husband in Goa’.
As I grew older my ambitions for life consisted of being a wife and a mom. So it seemed rather strange that I eventually became a wife only at 41 after going through a lot of other career options š There were times I despaired about finding the right person. Now I’m certain the right person came in to my life at the right time. (Was it a coincidence that we got married in Goa?)
There are many more instances in my life of things happening at ‘the appointed time’ – just when I needed them to happen.
The Bible, originally written in Greek used two words to describe time: chronos and kairos. Chronos, from which the word chronological is derived transalates in to time – days, hours, minutes. Kairos means ‘in nature’s time’ or ‘in due time’. In other words, it was believed that kairos was the appointed time.
I wonder what if we stopped being chronos-people – no longer ruled merely by the days and hours? Instead, if we became Kairos-people we would believe that everything that takes place in life, happens for a purpose and at the right time.
Of late, I’m convinced that the more we look at every moment of our lives as Kairos – the happier and more blessed we will be.
Do you believe in kairos too?
May you be inspired – every day!
Wonderfully said. Everything happens at an appointed time and I believe that too.
Thanks, Janaki. Glad you have the same philosophy.
Hi Corinne! Really enjoyed this post on “Kairos” time. Have you read Madeleine L’Engle’s book Walking on Water. It’s a reflection on faith and art and I think my favorite book on the subject. In it she says,
“Kairos. Real time. Godās time.
That time which breaks through chronos with a shock of joy, that time we do not recognize while we are experiencing it, but only afterwards, because kairos has nothing to do with chronological time. In kairos we are completely unselfconscious, and yet paradoxically far more real than we can ever be when weāre constantly checking our watches for chronological time.
The saint in contemplation, lost to self in the mind of God is in kairos. The artist at work is in kairos. The child at play, totally thrown outside herself in the game, be it building a sand castle or making a daisy chain, is in kairos. In kairos we become what we are called to be as human beings, co-creators with God, touching on the wonder of creation.”
Thanks for your insightful post. Enjoyed reading it! Blessings!
Nice to see you here, Angela. No, I haven’t read Walking on Water. Thank you for sharing this most beautiful extract. I loved that in Kairos time we are like children at play – free and enjoying ourselves, secure in the knowledge that we are loved! Thanks again, Angela.
A wonderful thought. I am a believer of the forces of the universe…living life as it comes.
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Living life as it comes is truly a great way to live, Sangeeta. It shows in the choices you make and the person you are ā„
yup. yup. yup. i’ve been a card-carrying member of the kairos club for many years.
although, i must admit, my current physical challenge also challenges my convictions concerning kairos since i want to be fixed N-O-W š
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It’s when we are in painful situations that our philosophies and beliefs are most tested, Linda. I can see that you are indeed looking for what is behind the pain – the causes and the lessons and that for me is being in Kairos time.
Corinne Rodrigues:
Absolutely Corinne!
I think believing and living every moment of our lives as Kairos is the only way we can really be happy!
I loved what you shared about the little basket and how you were that young and your parents and brother teased you about your to be hubby in Goa, and how you eventually did land up there and met him later in your life – a coincidence indeed! It’s almost like a dream come true I guess, and more so you found your true love in that person as well, which makes all the difference.
Thanks so much for sharing and a wonderful reminder to be and live in the present now. š
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I too like the coincidences that are not really coincidences, Harleena. It’s amazing how life can be so wonderful and surprising if only we let it be so! Thanks for coming by.
This is WONDERFUL Corinne! Simple, yet completely profound, as the best posts are. I love the personal information, and yes, I think you where meant to get married in Goa! This is the first time ever I’ve posted two posts in a row of someone else’s on my facebook page, but you did it girl! Many thanks Corinne.
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Thank you so much, Elizabeth for commenting and sharing. I really appreciate that ā„ Wondering how Ashley liked Goa.
I truly do, and am so glad you have finally given me the vocabulary for it. I’ve had this happen to me too many times in my life to simply explain it away as coincidence. (I love that you ended up getting married in Goa. š )
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Thank you. I’m glad your a ‘believer’ too!
What a sweet love story you have, Corinne! I can relate a bit because I’ve never ever been in a relationship.
I used to be a Chronos person (maybe I still am, but I think I mellowed down). But I’m learning to live life the Kairos way, because I think life is more meaningful that way.
And that Pinterest photo, I also saw that on Pinterest tonight–hmm, could it be Kairos? š
Thanks so much for another beautiful and insightful post, Corinne! Take care and God bless! š
Glad you liked it, Irene. When the time is right, everything will fall in to place. We’re all learning together and that’s the beauty of it.
Wow, these are two important and interesting words to reflect on. I have been more focused on Hebrew (OT), you’ve awakened my interest on Greek (NT), thanks š
I do believe that everything happens at the right time. Looking at kairos in the Wikipedia, it adds, the appointed time ‘in the purpose of God’.
I have questions and dreams answered after sixteen years or so š and my eyes were opened at the appointed time these things were revealed.
I also think that the things that come to our mind were planted in there and it’s the desire that makes them grow š Your marriage in Goa was a hint when you were smaller of greater things that will happen š
Thank you for your reflections š Mine will come at the right time, LOL…perhaps if I buy him a ticket to ride LOL…
melissa recently posted..Towards the Road of Love
Glad this sparked off an interest in Greek in you, Melissa. Finding root words in Greek helps us to have a much better understanding of the NT.
I like what you said that our questions and dreams are answered at the appointed time. So true, especially with times of trial. At the time we’re undergoing them we don’t realize why, it’s only at the appointed time that the reason and the lesson is revealed.
You don’t need to buy a ticket, I’m sure he’s got a post-dated one already – awaiting the Kairos. š
Strange as it may seem to all of you educated in the know people, I had never heard the words before, but I have lived my life in such a way that I know everything has a purpose and a time. My friend died 4 1/2 years ago, as a result of his death I got sober. If I had not, how could I be here for these little ones now??? Sad as it seems even his untimely death served a purpose and the timing was perfect for the time I needed to spend healing and recovering in order to take on these responsibilities…… My father in his death too was at the right time for my mother, the sadness of her life was ended by his death as horrible as that sounds it is the truth. Allowing her to be able to be there for me when I needed her most in my life…. I am not sure if this is what you mean, but as I see it your post was spot on and so beautiful…..Thank you!
Jan Neel recently posted..Kylie and Her 2nd Grade Soccer Game
Jan, it’s not important to know the words, but to believe in what’s behind them. You have understood how this works in life and that is what is so important. Love and blessing always, dear friend.
Oh, Corinne, I’m a firm believer in kairos, that things happen when and where they should in the fulness of time. It’s when we get so wrapped up in chronos that we fail to see the God-incidences working in our lives.
And, I love that you got married in Goa! See??? š
Love and blessings!
Martha Orlando recently posted..Are You Reaching Across the Aisle?
Oh yes, I know from what you’ve shared that you’re a believer too, Martha. And I can see it working in your life beautifully.
Corinne, this is so true. I also believe that things and people come into our lives at just the right time. Every day I see these type of things happen for me. Things like a parking spot in front of the building where I’m going… all green lights when I’m in a hurry. Signs like when I see a cop, it is telling me to perhaps slow down. I look at each and every thing during the day as a sign!!! Wonderful post!
cathy recently posted..Household Chemicals and Our Pets
Isn’t it wonderful when we look at life this way, Cathy?
True everything has to happen at the right time, and God seems to have a purpose and plan for it. You better get going to get Jose some Atto pork now atleast. lol
http://www.adrianairis.com/2011/08/kairos-time.html
Adriana Iris recently posted..Child of the Moon…
it reminded me of this post.
Adriana Iris recently posted..Child of the Moon…
Oh yes, thanks for sharing, Adriana.
Very true stuff Corinne! What a great post. I love the story you shared too, how simple we think when we are so young!
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Thank you, RoseAnn. Life seems easier when we’re opening and trusting like children!
He gets the attos alright and cooks sorpatel on the rare occasion we have it, Caroline.
I so agree Corinne…I believe that everything happens in perfect timing and as we allow. And…I believe there are NO coincidences…ever! Everything we experience comes as a result of our energy or vibrational stance (and we have complete control over that). š
I loved reading this post and visiting your blog again…as always, you offer wonderful insight and inspiration to all!
Bec Owen recently posted..Isnāt Life Wonderful?
Yes, perfect timing, indeed, Bec. Thanks for coming by. So miss interacting with you though I think of you often.
Woooooooo, Sorpotel. My fav!!! lol
I want to be a Kairos person!!! It can be such a struggle, but I’m really working on it….I think you are spot on, accepting things as they come in nature’s time is a key for happiness and peace.
Thanks, Erin Maureen. ā„
Hmmm…I don’t like it actually!
Our journey through life is filled with Kairo’s moments. The funny thing is we tend to realize it after the incident is over… I do believe that these moments are placed or presented or even gifted to us at the time when we are about to embark on a new phase of life.
Interesting post!
Yes, Savira what Melissa said about the realization is so true.
š
now thats coincidence.. getting married in goa .. BY the wyay you did not invite me haaan.. you shud have known that in years to come you will meet a blogger Bikram , so you shud invite me š he he he he
indeed in kairos moments everyone meets the one made for them .. š
Bikramjit Singh Mann recently posted..Musical Monday(19) ā Someone Loves you so deeply
No coincidences, Bikramjit! You haven’t invited me to your wedding either š
So much in my life has happened without my designed plan. Life has surprised me, graced me with things I never could have planned because I did not even conceive. So, yes Kairos has a played big part in my life.
Really good post Corinne.
Myrna recently posted..ETERNAL ADOLESCENT
It’s the surprises and the grace that make life so wonderful, Myrna. But we’ve got to see it that way and I’m so glad you do. ā„
I loved this post! I read so many blogs and this is something new I can sink my teeth into. I will be thinking about this for a long time. I like to live in Kairos. I am committed to it! Did you change your blog? cool!
Heal Now and Forever recently posted..Do You Mind Your Mind?
I’m glad you liked it, Jodi. Thanks for the compliment on the blog – it’s much the same except for minor tweaks – I’m glad they are working!
I thoroughly enjoyed this post–as I did not know the two Greek meanings of time–but now that I’ve read this–wow–I can totally understand how happiness comes in Kairos time. Loved this post!!
Cheers, Jenn
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Thanks for visiting, Jenn.
Very true corinne, I too believe that everything has a time, I always wanted to help and reach out to youngpeople, but did not know how, and I did all kinds of work for so many years and now the right moment came after the death of my son, that put me in a position, wherein I reach out to a lot of young people in my life, I feel like Kairos in my life, thanks for your post !
Thanks for sharing, Janet. So glad things are falling in to place for you. I do believe that God honors our dreams in ways beyond our understanding.
I do believe in kairos Corinne, although it’s often after the fact that I recognize the true magic of the timing. I try to remember that all things come in perfect timing and that all things work together for my goodāin the long run;) I don’t think it was coincidental that as a child you spoke of your husband in Goa. Perhaps it was the universe speaking to you.
Love!
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Perhaps I should have added that in retrospect things fit in to place, Leah. Melissa and Savira mentioned that too. But living in Kairos all the time helps us to be absolutely that everything fits in, even if we don’t see it immediately. Yes, the Universe speaks loud and clear – sometimes we’re just not tuned in to it!
Corinne, I’m convinced things happen when they have to happen. I don’t believe in coincidences. I truly think everything happens for a reason. How wonderful that you and Jose got married in Goa! That just goes to prove that what’s meant to be is meant to be! š
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I don’t believe in coincidences too, Bella. And surely everything happens for a reason, if only we’d see it that way. What is meant to be, is surely meant to be – like connecting with you, my lovely friend ā„
Just imagining little Corinne with a basket was delightful. I wonder if you are so sweet now, how swweter you would have been then? I enjoyed this post on different levels, Corinne.
The childhood innocence
The kairos of every individual
The expression ‘Atto pork’
Thanks for enlightening and equally delighting us with your posts, Corinne.
Joy always,
Susan
Susan, I’m so offended. What makes you think I was sweeter back then? š I’m so glad you enjoyed this – that affirms my writing more than you would guess.
Hi Corinne, I have nominated your great Blog for the Sunshine Award!!
http://nikkysstrengthandweakness-nikky44.blogspot.com/2012/04/sunshine-award.html
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Thank you so much, Nikky. I am honored!
Corinne, I used to believe STRONGLY in “”Kairos,”” until Kay was murdered…
I am still trying to figure out how this could possibly make my life better ( In any way ). I mean, why would GOD want me to be so lonely, sad, alone?
Put it this way, I have MANY questions for Him.
Your blogs always make me ponder. Thank you. Xxx Love.
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Kim, I can completely empathize. It’s so difficult to find reasons for what happened to Kay and indeed to your whole family. I’m sure you have loads of questions for God. I cannot answer for God, but all I know is that He knows your pain and feels it with you. Much love and many hugs…
Kairos, one of my favorite words because it never fails to remind me of God’s perfect timing. I so liked it that I named one of the most significant characters in my novel after it! Thank you for reminding me of Kairos, Corinne. And thank you for sharing your story, I could almost see that girl right now carrying her basket, wanting to get married at Goa. I wonder what’s in store for me, I really couldn’t see it now, but I will hold on that little girl’s faith!
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I would love to read your novel, Joyce. You are so talented. I keep thinking about you and praying for you and hoping all works out well. God has something wonderful in store for you – of that I have no doubt. ā„
H Corinne,
Well, I definitely work on Kairos time now. I didn’t always but the older I got and started to understand more about the law of attraction and good things come to those that wait, it all started showing up.
I’m happy to found your partner and I just knew you were going to tell us you met him in Goa but so happy to hear that’s where you tied the knot. Now that’s really something to hear. It gave me goose bumps… I love that.
Thank you for sharing this interesting topic with us and I sure hope more people are living on Kairos time now. If not, there’s no time like the present to start right!
Enjoy your weekend.
~Adrienne
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Adrienne, thank you so much for your lovely comment. Yes, once we discover the Law of Attraction and allow it work in our lives, it’s amazing what great things happen. Glad you’ve discovered it too.
Hi Corinne,
You have given serious food for thought in this post. I have had some rather challenging times in my life in recent years. Nevertheless I have kept my faith and trusted in God to lead me forward in making decisions and adjusting to the changes. I am a new Follower of your Blog. Take care and enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Judy – JUDY H-J’S THOUGHTS
Judy Haughton-James recently posted..I Love Pinspiration – Yoga!
Thanks for coming by, Judy and for sharing. I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been having tough times, but glad to know that your faith is seeing you through. I pray that you will continue to experience the love of God leading you in your life.
My friend Corinne,
As always, great post filled with inspiration and breathless thoughts. Very well done and written. Thank you very much for sharing with us such depth from your heart.
Thank you so much, Andy. ā„