Monday, December 7, 2009

Time: A Special Gift


The Christmas season is upon us. A time of giving. A time to reflect upon the greatest gift ever given to mankind: Jesus Christ. The God-man whose life is the perfect example. The One who reminds us that, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35b; KJV).


This weekend, as I contemplated the perfect gift for each family member, a student from our Sunday School class allowed me to see that sometimes the best 'gifts' aren't the ones festively wrapped and tied with a bow. Sometimes the best gift we can give someone is - time.


Our daughter, Riley and her friend Kristin (www.chics4christ.blogspot.com) had begun an afternoon Bible Study with one of our Sunday School class members. Because she lives quite a distance from us, we came up with a plan. With her parent's permission, she could come over to our house following church, have lunch, participate in the Bible study and any other activities we'd planned, then return to church with us for the evening service. Following church, we'd drive her home.


After only a couple of weeks, the three girls had developed quite a bond. Because Riley is an only child, she and our Sunday School student unofficially 'adopted' each other as sisters.


With our evening service being re-scheduled for an hour later, we thought this would be the last week that we would be able to spend the afternoon with her. With a later dismissal time, we were reluctant to still have to drop our student off before making the long drive home.

After lunch, my husband, Steve, and Riley took our guest to the mall. With Riley leaving for college next fall, a laptop computer ranks high on her Christmas wish-list. A visit to the Apple Store would be fun. A trip to Starbucks for some delicious, hot coffee drinks rounded out their afternoon. When they got home, it was clear that big fun was had by all.


The highlight of the day, came when the evening service ended with a time of family prayer and we were privileged to include our Sunday School student in our "family." Although we're not her parents, I was struck by the opportunity that the Lord has given us as her Sunday School teachers and role models. And how the Lord has allowed Riley and Kristin to further encourage her through a time of Bible study. What an awesome responsibility to be "an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12b).


When Riley and I dropped her off at her house later that evening, her gratitude was evident from her cheerful, "Thank you for everything!" Already I was regretting that this was our last Sunday to spend extra time with her. But wait, did it have to be? Her parents had given her permission to stay out an hour later, and as I glanced at the clock, it was only 8:35 p.m. We would arrive at home around 9:15 and still have time to grab a bite to eat, and get ready for Monday's events. Maybe, just maybe...


As Steve and I discussed it later, we agreed that we would make this adjustment to our schedule and be willing to continue to drive our student home following the later service, because it was definitely worth it. Without realizing it, she had given us a special 'gift.' Her grateful attitude reminded us that tangible gifts aren't necessarily the only things we can give. Oftentimes giving the gift of 'time' is much more special.


In addition to those beautiful gifts you wrap and give to your loved ones, be sure you give the gift of 'time' this Christmas season! You'll be so glad you did!

14 comments:

  1. How awesome! What a great opportunity to share the love of Christ.

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  2. I agree Maria, time is so special. It is rewarding to give time to those we love and those we've met. You'd be surprised to know what comes of it. We have to keep an eye open for those opportunities to share God with others. It's all about taking the time to make a difference in someone's life. Blessings! xo

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  3. I'm so grateful you took the time to revel in God's call to write! These posts always jar my mind to the things of most value.

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  4. What a great gift! Surrogate families are the best! I'm so thankful for those people who are in my own life!

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  5. You're right, time is an overlooked gift, but so important to relationships. Thanks, Maria for making me think (once again:) and for sharing your thoughts. Blessings!

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  6. I think it is great you have bonded and found a new "family member". May the love and friendship continue.

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  7. You are so right! My time is so valuable to me, but I find that when I'm generous with giving it, it always comes back to me in some other way. I loved this post, Maria.

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  8. Diana - Welcome! Thanks so much for stopping by! God is so faithful to provide us with many oppotunities to share His love. Have a great day!

    Ellie - Keeping our eyes open to the opportunities that He places before us is so important! You're absolutely right that we never know how we may impact someone's life. What a worthwhile way to 'invest' our time!! God bless you! :)

    Tamika - Thank you so much for the beautiful compliment! I'm humbled to think that God could use what He's teaching me, to encourage others and point them to Him. Blessings!

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  9. Kristen - It's such a privilege to include others in our family! Over the past few months, I've actually come to view you and others who frequently leave comments, as my 'writing family!' You gals are the greatest! God bless!

    Karen - It is so easy to invest our time in things that ultimately don't matter. I have to say, it was with humility that I realized that our Sunday School student was right - time spent developing relationships is the most important!Have a blessed day!

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  10. Amy - Thanks! My husband & I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the students in our Sunday School class. After we've had them in class for three years, the hardest part is watching them graduate out of our class! But it's fun to stay in touch and see them continue to grow! Have a great day!

    Heather - I like your statement that when you're generous with your time, it always comes back to you in another way. Isn't that just like our loving Heavenly Father?! Time is a valuable commodity. I'm glad we can invest it in others and gain eternal dividends! God bless!:)

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  11. The gift of time is priceless! A true gift from the heart!

    Thanks, Carrie

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  12. Carrie - Welcome! Thank you so much for stopping by! Couldn't agree with you more - the gift of time is priceless! God bless!

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  13. Hello Maria, thank you for the reminder. Madeline is coming back from uni for the holidays, Liam will be working over Christmas because he is in the catering business,with not many days off, Colin my husband will have time off about a week but we are so looking forward to the time we spend together more than the presents. xxx

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  14. Raymonde - So good to hear from you! Although it sounds like a busy Christmas season for you, I know you will cherish the time spent with your family! God's richest blessings to you! :)

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