I’ve been reflecting a lot recently, particularly about time. Time can seem like an eternity when one is in a difficult situation, waiting for an answer or waiting for healing for oneself or a loved one. Time can also seem to fly by when we are enjoying people and activities, when there’s a lot going on in life, or when we want to hold on to a moment or season in life.

I was also thinking about time being a gift. While often not thought of this way, not receiving answers or resolution of difficulties can be a gift in shaping character and perspective. I’ve seen this in my life, and although none of us desires difficulties, they can result in gratitude. On the flip side, receiving an answer, resolution, or additional time in the midst of an illness can also be a gift of time.

Time can also be a tangible gift given. Whether through times of money being tight or available, my memories of time spent with family and people are some of the most precious gifts I have. Years ago I drew my grandma’s name for Christmas. That year, I wrote her a short note sharing I wanted to give her the gift of time…time to connect about life and hear her stories growing up. We spent a few hours each Sunday afternoon talking and laughing on the phone. That gift lasted for several years until she passed away. The result was precious connection and memories that I will always cherish and a book that I was able to share with family at her funeral.

As we think about gifts this Christmas season, perhaps a gift to consider is that of time? It’s easy for all of us to feel strapped for time. I think many would desire to spend more time helping others or spend more intentional time for family, but don’t know how to fit it in.

In reviewing research on the gift of time, I found some interesting results. A 2013 article in Psychological Science shared that those who intentionally take time to help or spend with others had increased feelings of “time affluence” which alleviated feelings of “time famine”. The “time” in the different studies ranged from 5-30 min. per day of writing notes, volunteering, or intentionally visiting with someone. The other group studied who didn’t use their time to help others but instead were given “various tasks” or “free time” found they wasted time and felt “time famine”. So, they titled their journal article “Giving Time Gives You Time”.

Other journal articles found that when people gave time to others, daily stress appeared to be more buffered in their lives. They also had reduced effects of social isolation. Another article found those who gave of their time had lower blood pressure, arterial pressure, and lower depression. The individuals giving of their time also reported greater self-esteem.

So as we head into this Christmas season, perhaps a gift for each of us to consider giving is being more intentional with time-whether that’s with those closest to us or with others? Perhaps whatever that gift is becomes a goal to keep for the coming year? Wishing you and your family Christmas blessings as we celebrate the Ultimate gift we’ve been given in Jesus being born to die that we might live!

Winter Program Brochures have been mailed by several area counties or will be mailed after Christmas. Please RSVP to the county office where you’d like to attend the meeting being hosted.

This is my favorite Christmas song and this rendition is so beautifully done! Merry Christmas!