The Gift of Time

 Today is a new day. Our world is turning on its axis as it has for centuries. The sun is up in the east and people are getting ready for work. It is a very busy world!

 I am starting another day. A day full of ideas and a list of things I feel need to be done. 

" It's just another day" as the song goes.

 It could seem that way because I have had so many days in my 68 years of life that I tend to see a repeating trend of days and weeks and years. I could become numb to its value.

Having another day is a blessing. But in reality, this is a day I will never get back. And to be sure, I do not know how many days I have left.

My brother's birthday would have been November 15th. But he passed away from a heart attack two years ago. So, he has no more birthdays. He would have been 62 this year.

 I have lost a number of family members. My Dad and Mom are no longer here, my two brothers are not here. I have been widowed twice in my life. Needless to say, I am familiar with losing people I love. The point of all this is to say that it is not just another day. I do cherish each day that I do get to talk to and be with my loved ones.

Time in a relationship is to be cherished, Couples are blest. Families are a blessing. Friends are a blessing.

Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful, and it helps us to focus on being mindful of things that we possibly and probably take for granted.

 I am thankful for time. It is more valuable than a lot of other things. If we are not careful to be aware, it can slip so easily away from us. 

Too much time is spent doing things that really don't matter in life. It seems social media is the winner here. It certainly has its place; but it is a poor substitute for quality time, and actually being together with family or friends.

We are in an age that is not going to change. But we can choose how to spend our allotted time here.

The days of quality time are still available. And it doesn't have to be anything really fancy or expensive. Teaching a teen how to cook a meal or playing a board game or even cards with someone is time well spent. I think it is so easy to spend our days scrolling through social media, gaming or watching T.V.  These things isolate us rather than bring us together in a meaningful way. The good news is that we do have choices that will either enrich our lives or numb us to what is really valuable.

Relationships don't flourish on their own. It is work to intentionally be present with someone else. But it is the best kind of work, that leaves lasting memories and smiles for those involved. That someone could be a family member or a coworker or even someone in a time of loneliness. We will not be here forever to make a difference in those lives. In this season of Thanksgiving and all other seasons, let us be thankful for those in our lives. And as we are thankful for them become a blessing to them.

If you have a list today, hopefully it is including a certain someone you can bless.  I believe that person will surely appreciate your GIFT of time and have a better day because of you. And they won't be the only one blest, but you will too!!

"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12