Time: a generous gift

When my world was falling apart, a dear man invested his time and heart in our family. He offered my husband encouragement and a listening ear. He challenged me to stop wallowing in my pit and turn my eyes to Jesus. His love for our family was the lifeline to Jesus that we needed... and I've never been the same since. (He tends to downplay the impact he made -- he's humble like that -- but I wouldn't be where I am without the time he invested in us.)

Time!

When we invest in others, we offer them the gift of time. We make a choice to give up something we can never get back so that someone else's life might improve. And yet, there is no greater feeling than giving to another. Our hearts fill with joy. How is that possible?

Galatians 5 13-23 says, "You... were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' ... So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. The acts of the flesh are obvious:... selfish ambition... and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

Did you gloss over God's word just now? If you did, please go back and read it again.

Selfishness looks at time as mine. I don't have time to listen to her problems. I don't have time to cook them a meal. I don't have time to do... whatever.

Love looks at time as a gift. Yes, I'll meet you for coffee and prayer. Sure, I'll cook a meal -- when do they need it? Yes, I'll pick up those school supplies for needy kids.

A friend of mine told me about a little boy who wiggled his way into his heart. This little boy lived with his dad -- mom ran away. Then dad was murdered. Little boy lives with grandma, who works two jobs to provide for him. This man saw an opportunity to make a difference. He meets with the boy once a week, spending six hours with him, sometimes more. Just a friend, investing in a young man -- and his grandma. He shared that some days the little boy wears him out -- he's tempted to take him home early. Then he remembers that grandma gets one six hour break each week. He grins. He listens. He invests... for six hours. Sometimes more. Each week.

That man has a daughter. She recently shared with him that she realizes the value of a loving father. She sees the difference he makes in a little boy's life. And it fills her heart too.

Here's the amazing truth about time. When we give it, in love, our hearts grow full. The love spills over and impacts the world beyond. When we hoard it, selfishly, our hearts grow cold. Nothing spills over. No one is changed.

Time is our most precious gift. It's the cost we "pay" for loving. But, the dividend is immeasurable.

How will you use your time today?