Have you ever experienced the sudden, unbidden arrival of a song from your past, surfacing from the depths of your memory just when you least expect it? It’s as if our brains are uniquely wired for music, storing melodies and lyrics that can spontaneously resurface, triggered by a random moment. Just the other day, while in my daughter’s kitchen, a fragment of a rock song from my youth popped into my head: “Precious and few are the moments…” I found myself humming the opening, and a quick consultation with my husband, a veritable repository of lyrical knowledge, completed the line: “Precious and few are the moments we two can share.” The song, “Precious and Few,” resonated instantly, its simple yet profound message capturing a universal truth about our lives.
This evocative phrase, “precious and few,” speaks volumes about the nature of time and relationships. It’s a sentiment beautifully captured in John George Brown’s 1870 painting, “The Music Lesson.” The artwork portrays a courting couple, seemingly stealing a moment of intimacy amidst the everyday, finding connection through music.
A captivating 1870 painting titled "The Music Lesson" by John George Brown, depicting a young couple sharing a tender moment as they engage in a music lesson, highlighting the preciousness of shared experiences.
The Music Lesson by John George Brown, 1870, Courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art
While the full lyrics of Walter D. Nims’ song might expand on romantic love, the opening line, “precious and few are the moments,” holds a much broader and deeper significance. It transcends romantic relationships and speaks to the very core of human connection. Think about it: precious and few are the moments we truly share, not just with spouses, but with our children as they grow, our aging parents, our siblings navigating life’s journey, our cherished friends, our spiritual community, and indeed, with every individual God places in our path.
The Value of Intentional Connection
Recognizing that these moments are “precious and few” transforms our perspective. It urges us to treat each interaction, each shared experience, as the invaluable gift it truly is. The people in our lives – our spouses, children, parents, friends – they are the precious elements that make these moments meaningful. Investing time in these relationships isn’t passive; it requires conscious and deliberate choices. It often involves setting aside our own immediate desires and priorities to honor the needs and interests of others.
This intentionality is beautifully illustrated in the act of homeschooling, as mentioned in the original blog post. Choosing to homeschool is a significant commitment, a conscious decision to prioritize time and connection with children, shaping their learning journey and fostering deeper bonds. It’s about recognizing the “precious and few” years of childhood and choosing to invest them richly.
The wisdom of Philippians 2:3-4 further illuminates this principle:
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
This scripture underscores the importance of humility and selfless consideration in our relationships. It’s a call to move beyond self-centeredness and actively prioritize the well-being and interests of those we cherish. By focusing on others, we not only enrich their lives but also deepen the preciousness of the moments we share.
Making Moments Count
In a world that constantly demands our attention, filled with distractions and endless to-dos, the message of “precious and few” is more relevant than ever. It’s a reminder to be present, to be intentional, and to truly cherish the fleeting moments of connection with the people who matter most. Let the poignant lyric of the “Precious And Few Song” serve as a constant nudge to value the relationships in our lives and make each shared moment count.
