Being on Time is Not Optional

As Filipino-American, I've grown up with the notion or the running joke (depending on how you want to look at it) of time being relative. When a time was set, there was always the question, "Is this Filipino time or American time?" with "Filipino time" being the later option.  This works fine during an informal house party gathering or casual get-togethers where arrival is fluid and it's preferable for both the attendees and the hosts for guests to arrive "fashionably late".  But when it's a commitment like a wedding, a mass, a rehearsal, etc. being on time is NOT negotiable.

Unfortunately, we have someone in our life that holds our time hostage--always late with a lack of disregard of the stresses that it brings many people involved. For someone in a position of authority and the well being of children in their hands, being on time is and should be priority.  Being late sets such a terrible example to children and it simply just lets them down when it is so easy to be counted on. Being late is a deliberate action especially when it is shown as a consistent behavior.  Not only do I deplore this behavior but it erodes my respect.  Friendship aside, "the late trait" is not amusing, not appreciated and deeply frowned upon.

The above video is obviously a campaign tool for early voting.  But putting politics aside, I love that a man in the highest office of our land takes pride in arriving early and considers his greatest strength his ability to do so. What a great example to all.

And guess what? It isn't!!!

I've often heard that time is the most valuable thing. So please, don't waste your own but be considerate enough not to waste others' as well.

I'm so grateful to be able to have a forum to release my frustration.  I strive to be a positive person. But when you're put in a stressful position waiting for someone who is chronically late, it challenges that resolve.  Only the person can make a change for himself. He holds that power.  I hope he exercises it.