My mother-in-law, Bonnie, turned 90 last week! What a milestone! She isn’t a big hoopla party person, but does so enjoy having her family around, so family party we did. The last time we were together was for my father-in-law’s funeral. Isn’t that the way it seems to go? Our lives are crazy going hither and yon, and it seems that many times a funeral is the only thing that causes us to slow down and brings us all together. Well not this time! Both of Bonnies boys and spouses were there, all four grandkids and spouses, all six of her great grands, and the icing on the cake was that her two siblings and their spouses were in attendance. Everyone was there! Cards and gifts were opened and so appreciated, but if you ask Bonnie the best gift ever was that everyone took time to come.
Our granddaughter Evelyn had her volleyball senior night. The seniors gathered in the center of the court with their parents and siblings and were honored during their last home game. As the recognition came to a close and the warm up for the game began, Evelyn bailed into the stands to give us a hug and thank us for always being there. She took a moment of her time to say thank you. A moment of time that had a lasting impact.
Every day we use our time differently. We are tired of waiting for something, so we try to hurry time. We try to slow it down as we see how fast our kids are growing, and we want things to slow down. We would love to bank some time and save it for another day. We like to use our time productively and get some work done, and there are days when we want to sit in our chair and watch the world pass us by.
What a gift time is. We don’t have a clue as to how much is allotted to each of us, yet at times we truly squander it. Gifts of time don’t have to be long and elaborate to have an impact. It isn’t how much you give, it simply is that you give it! How about taking a few seconds (yes seconds) and texting someone that you haven’t seen in a spell. Better yet, give them a call. Got thirty minutes to “kill” between appointments, stop in and say hello to someone who would love to see you, even for a moment. Is your coffee pot on? Grab a “to go” cup and pour a second and stop by and see a neighbor. As you take the trash out, instead of head down pedal to the metal, look around and wave at someone that’s going by.
We have it to give, yet we hold it tight. Give a bit away, and stand back and watch God use it. Give it a try.
Psalm 90:12 Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
