It's only four numbers.

But those four numbers are bringing a host of emotions upon me - A bit of sadness, a bit of regret, a little bewilderment and a lot of resolve.Yes, I knew the time for those four numbers would arrive, but that time came all too quickly. It's those four numbers that tell me I cannot hold onto time. It is fleeing faster than I can comprehend.Those four numbers, of course, are 2016.As we flip the calendar to a new year, I'm thinking this can't be right. Didn't we just turn the calendar to 2015? Wasn't it only a month or so ago?That's the way it feels for me. I just got used to writing 2015 on my checks. Now I have to get used to a new number one digit higher.A long time ago my father told me the older one gets, the faster time flies. I thought my dad was the smartest person in the world. But I knew he couldn't be right about time.Time passes the same for everyone, I told him. With the wisdom of my 14 years, I insisted the passing of time is the same for everyone - except for algebra class when the hands of the clock refuse to move, no matter how many times I look at the clock, waiting for the bell to signal class was over.When we're young, we are always waiting for something to come along. We feel like we can't wait for time to pass so we can learn to drive, graduate from high school, find the person of our dreams and live that happily ever after life we anticipate.Well, I did all that and I know my father was right. The older we get, the faster time passes.They tell me we have a little less than two decades before our children leave home to establish their own lives. I think I had all of five minutes. At least it feels that way.Now that I am the matriarch of our family, I am much more aware of the fragility of time. I do all in my power to be aware of each day and to make the most of every moment I am given.But even so, every day is a blur. Blink and it's gone.In order to get a handle on the passing of time, I keep a journal. Actually it's just a few lines about how I spent that day. Looking back on the pages of the journal, I can at least bring to mind times that are no longer mine. I guess they call that bringing up memories.Like many other people, I rely on an appointment book to keep track of future activities. When I open my pocket calendar to look at the month ahead, I feel like a runaway train is barreling down the tracks - and the train is aimed right at me.Before I even add any optional activities, my calendar is hopelessly overcrowded. When I have to take a week off for pleasurable things like visiting family or going on a trip with our shell club, my calendar is hopelessly jammed when I get back.I want to check my calendar to see if I am being given the same number of days as other people get. My days must be fewer and my clock must run faster than others. Why else am I struggling so much to find enough time?I have no idea how to get enough time to stay physically active on a daily basis while still doing my newspaper work and fitting in routine appointments, church work and activities with friends.A top priority for me is being there for my husband. I am blessed that he wants to spend all his time with me.All I need is more time to do it all; more hours to fit it all in.I know, I know. I'm the one who causes the time overload.I think I know why I do it.It's my attempt to make the most of the time I am given. But I have found it's harder for me to balance my time than it is to balance my checkbook.My friends say my schedule is always jammed because I take on too much and try to do too many activities. How can I not?Life is like one big smorgasbord feast. There are so many delicious offerings just waiting for us to try, and I want to try them all.In the nature lover's paradise I call home, there are so many fun things to do.Everywhere I look water beckons, inviting me to get out on the water and enjoy life. This place of Perpetual Sunshine definitely makes me want to spend more time outdoors.But life needs to be more than having fun.I believe each of us is called upon to help others. I try to make sure I include time to do exactly that.Time to help, time to work. Time to play, time to pray. Time for friends, time for family. While it's hard to fit it all in, I realize I can't slow the world down and I can't control how fast time flies away. But at least I can try to control how I spend my time.Contact Pattie Mihalik at

newsgirl@comcast.net.