In today's fast moving world, taking control of our time is not always easy. There are thousands of books, courses, videos and programs on the subject of Time Management. One of the strategies that are taught is to focus on one thing at a time, without being distracted or jumping from one thing to another.

In the days between the festival of Pesach and Shavuot there is a Mitzvah to count the Omer. For seven weeks we count the days, from one to forty nine. This Mitzvah has many lessons, one being the value of time. Each day is precious and special. Each moment has endless opportunity and needs to be treasured and given the appropriate attention.

A great Chassidic Rebbe was about to catch a train on an important and dangerous project. A lot depended on the success of this trip. Minutes before the train was due to depart, his son in-law entered the study, and found the Rebbe totally engrossed and immersed in a complex section of Torah study. He could not believe that he was able to do this without being distracted by the upcoming mission. When he expressed his amazement, the Rebbe responded and explained:

Successful time management lies in the ability to be totally absorbed in what you do at the time. When you are involved in one activity, it must become the most important thing in your life. At that moment, it is that activity that will help you reach your ultimate goal and purpose. At that time nothing else is relevant. When that task is complete, the next one becomes the priority.

Nothing we do exists in isolation. Life is a long journey towards personal development and spiritual fulfillment. Each act is a small part of a bigger plan and a small step towards a higher goal. But the success of every stage of that journey lies in the ability to be totally absorbed in the moment and focused on the specific experience to the exclusion of everything else.

We don't live for the moment. We work towards a higher purpose and an ultimate goal. But we can and should live in the moment.

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