The Gift of Time

(Written a couple weeks ago... I just happened to fall asleep every night before managing to post it! )

About once a week I sit and visit with my parents for an hour or so.  Generally it is just me and them. We talk about everything or nothing in particular.  There is no real structure and it isn't even the same day of the week every time.  In fact, I don’t know if they even realize that I specifically try to come once a week.  Maybe my random dropping by bothers them! :-)

My father experienced some rather serious health problems several months ago.  Looking back at those precarious few weeks has helped me draw the conclusion that the gift of time is one of the most meaningful things I can give. 

Time.  Funny how our lives are made up of time but no one has any to spare.  We rush from task to task, jamming everything we can into our hectic schedules.  It is almost a badge of honor to be busy.  Even in our slow moments we are consumed by outside influences and distracted - ringing mobile phones, linking to the internet through various smart devices, telling the world what we are doing via social media – it never ends!

I’m tired - consistently tired.  I can’t remember the last time I wasn't tired.  With four children, my sibling’s children I get to enjoy, a husband, a full time job and volunteer work my schedule is packed.  I love it for various reasons but I've begun to see the value in stopping.  It is only in slowing down that I can really think, muse, remember, and examine what is important. 

So, this year I’m doing my best to slow down and spend time with my loved ones.  Reading a book with my youngest, stopping to look my oldest in the eyes as she tells me about her day, squeezing my son a little longer, braiding my nieces hair even though it puts us a bit further behind schedule, grabbing teachable seconds - - little things, small moments that count.

And, Lord wiling, I’ll keep on visiting with my parents and conversing with them a couple hours a week.  Treasuring today, worrying less about tomorrow, enjoying them and learning from their wisdom.