As a noun Webster defines the word tense as: a “grammatical difference in form taken by verb to show the time of the action or occurrence, whether as simply fallin in past, present or future.
In defining tense as an adjective, it means, “stretched tight, rigid; feeling, showing or marked by nervous tension of strain…” among others.
What single word in either definition could more appropriately describe “What’s Going On” (as Marvin Gaye’s once popular song asks) in today’s uptight society? Ironically, Webster put the definition of the noun first; for in life that actually is why precedes the other. Early in our schooling we grammatically learn about the noun in its past, present, and future tense, but it is our environment, starting with the parents, guardians and other progressive associates who determine the importance of living in tense consciousness rather than in tenses. In infancy, we are aware only of the present tense. Therefore it is incumbent upon parents and others who provide guidance and direction for tender plants in the most formative stages to strongly implant the proper control devices in each vehicle than to repair the damage resulting from be guided stopped and otherwise controlled by whatever obstacles they hit. Also early in life, however, we learn from continuous experiences and from different versions of “history” (depending upon the motivation) about past tense, and that every fleeting moment of the present becomes instant past tense. If only we could be more aware of the brevity of present tense, perhaps, we would invest more wisely in it in preparation for the future tense. This critical perspective is not taught only by words. All who affect the lives of our children and youth in any way must teach it in action.
When the world was more in its scientific and technological as well as spiritual infancy, many looked anxiously toward the future when living or even survival would be made easier. In mankind’s present state of maturity life gives the illusion that we have finally arrived or “overcome” at least in some countries, thus creating the present era of selfishness, egotism, and greed.
Subsequently, we find older people preferring to live in past tense, and most of the rest teaching present tense only, as the future is too unpredictable. Then when it arrives before we realize it we are too often caught off guard. Our best advice then would be found in the old adage: Look well to this day. For every today well lived will make every yesterday a vision of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hopefulness.
