time: n. the inevitable progression into the future with the passing of present events into the past.
Time is one of those universal commodities
given to every man, woman, and child living on the face of this earth. Each of us is given 24 hours in a day, 60
minutes in an hour, 60 seconds in a minute.
No more; no less. We are treated
equally.
Time
has a different "feel" at different stages of life.
A child has all the time in the world, whereas his/her parents can’t
find enough time to get everything done and meet the demands of the family’s
rigorous schedule. Those of us who are
70-somethings find ourselves dealing with the reality of it passing quickly. Many of the elderly live a paradox where they have nothing but time
on their hands as they live their days in solitude and loneliness, and yet they have very little of
it left on this earth.Whether consciously or unconsciously, we as humans categorize and prioritize our time. There is work and family time; time for leisure, events and activities; vacation time, and--God forbid if it is interrupted—sleep. But often the most important of all is never factored in, and that is people time.
When I give
my time to another, I am giving of myself, sharing me. No one else is able to
do that but me. Gifts can be purchased
and delivered, but the gift of time has no price tag. While there is a time and place for volunteer work, that is not what I am speaking of here.
“I’m busy now. I don’t have time.” How often is that said to family members? Consider the message in those words and how it feels to be told that, to hear it. That same message, though unspoken, is delivered as we plow through our daily lives, making certain no interaction takes place with people we don’t know. After all, we have things to do, people to see, places to go. Strangers are people we’ll never see again, so it doesn’t really matter. Or does it?
We have known each other for decades and have had a friendship for the past several years. Neither of us has a sister, and sister/friend describes our relationship well.
I had gone to visit her, and we stopped at the grocery store to pick up a few things. While waiting in the line to check out she quietly commented, “Just a minute. This lady needs some help.” She had seen what I hadn’t. An elderly lady, no larger than a minute, was struggling with bagging her groceries. She had an over-sized container of detergent, and it was far too heavy and bulky for her to handle. My friend stepped in and placed the items in sacks, telling her that she would help get them into her car. “This is the last time I’m going to do this,” the older woman commented, telling of being in the process of moving into a facility where meals would be provided.
We checked out and headed out to her car, loading the items in the back. She talked the whole time, telling of moving from Rhode Island and the move currently taking place. Grateful and thrilled, she was the recipient of the gift of time.
This is how my friend lives. She gives of herself, giving time where and when it is needed. Second nature to her, it is done quietly, in a way that never draws attention.
Her elderly father had been ill for several years and was in the final stages of life. Without being asked, she went to her childhood home and stayed until he passed, helping out, assisting as needs arose. That is just the kind of person she is.
My friend and I spoke recently of being available when called upon. Her comment is one which has stuck with me—“You just have to make time. Loving the broken is loving Him.”
The gift of time is a gift indeed. It is often not noticed, therefore not acknowledged, as there are no bells and whistles or balloons connected to it. Instead, it is simply being present, lending an ear, companionship, and action if needed.
Each one of us is given time. We’ve all heard the charge to use our time wisely or make the most of it, but that charge is usually connected to an activity or a goal. That would be my charge as well, but consider giving time as a gift, giving and sharing oneself. The world would be a better place.
“I’m busy now. I don’t have time.” How often is that said to family members? Consider the message in those words and how it feels to be told that, to hear it. That same message, though unspoken, is delivered as we plow through our daily lives, making certain no interaction takes place with people we don’t know. After all, we have things to do, people to see, places to go. Strangers are people we’ll never see again, so it doesn’t really matter. Or does it?
We have known each other for decades and have had a friendship for the past several years. Neither of us has a sister, and sister/friend describes our relationship well.
I had gone to visit her, and we stopped at the grocery store to pick up a few things. While waiting in the line to check out she quietly commented, “Just a minute. This lady needs some help.” She had seen what I hadn’t. An elderly lady, no larger than a minute, was struggling with bagging her groceries. She had an over-sized container of detergent, and it was far too heavy and bulky for her to handle. My friend stepped in and placed the items in sacks, telling her that she would help get them into her car. “This is the last time I’m going to do this,” the older woman commented, telling of being in the process of moving into a facility where meals would be provided.
We checked out and headed out to her car, loading the items in the back. She talked the whole time, telling of moving from Rhode Island and the move currently taking place. Grateful and thrilled, she was the recipient of the gift of time.
This is how my friend lives. She gives of herself, giving time where and when it is needed. Second nature to her, it is done quietly, in a way that never draws attention.
Her elderly father had been ill for several years and was in the final stages of life. Without being asked, she went to her childhood home and stayed until he passed, helping out, assisting as needs arose. That is just the kind of person she is.
My friend and I spoke recently of being available when called upon. Her comment is one which has stuck with me—“You just have to make time. Loving the broken is loving Him.”
The gift of time is a gift indeed. It is often not noticed, therefore not acknowledged, as there are no bells and whistles or balloons connected to it. Instead, it is simply being present, lending an ear, companionship, and action if needed.
Each one of us is given time. We’ve all heard the charge to use our time wisely or make the most of it, but that charge is usually connected to an activity or a goal. That would be my charge as well, but consider giving time as a gift, giving and sharing oneself. The world would be a better place.
The King will reply, "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."
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