How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives. What we do with this hour, and that one, is what we are doing. A schedule defends from chaos and whim. It is a net for catching days. It is a scaffolding on which a worker can stand and labor with both hands at sections of time. A schedule is a mock-up of reason and order-willed, faked, and so brought into being; it is a peace and a haven set into the wreck of time; it is a lifeboat on which you find yourself, decades later, still living.
Annie Dillard reflects on the significance of how we allocate our time, emphasizing that our daily activities shape our lives. She suggests that each moment counts, and a well-structured schedule helps us navigate the chaos of daily life. By having a plan, we can better manage our responsibilities and focus on what truly matters, creating a sense of order in the often unpredictable nature of time.
Dillard describes a schedule as not just a tool for organization but as a protective structure that allows us to engage fully with our tasks. It acts as a framework within which we can work diligently and intentioned. Ultimately, she portrays scheduling as an essential element of a fulfilling life, allowing individuals to find meaning and continuity in their existence as they journey through the passage of time.
