Happy Wednesday! Today I’m linking up with Deb from Debruns for her Wednesday Word weekly linkup. This week’s word is giving.
It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the act of buying gifts for the holidays. You buy presents for your friends, family, co-workers, etc. Oftentimes people think that the act of giving only applies to buying gifts for others. True, giving money is one way to celebrate the holiday season, but don’t forget about the giving of your time.
βTime is your most precious gift because you only have a set amount of it. You can make more money, but you can’t make more time. When you give someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your life that you’ll never get back. Your time is your life. That is why the greatest gift you can give someone is your time. It is not enough to just say relationships are important; we must prove it by investing time in them. Words alone are worthless. “My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action.” Relationships take time and effort, and the best way to spell love is “T-I-M-E.β β Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here for?
Yes, we’re all busy and time is precious…and that’s why giving your time is the best gift you can give to anyone.
Volunteer
There are many charitable organizations that would love the gift of your time this holiday season.
Do you like to wrap presents? Use your gift wrapping skills to wrap presents for children in need in your community.
Do you have the gift of gab? Lend your voice, and ear, and visit a retirement home. Some senior citizens may not have any visits during the holidays and they would appreciate a great conversation with you.
Do you like to cook? Lend your Iron Chef cooking skills to a local soup kitchen. Most soup kitchens serve 2-3 meals a day and they would no doubt appreciate a helping hand!
Need to get in your steps for the day? Help an organization, such as Meals on Wheels, and hand deliver meals to senior citizens that are unable to leave their homes.
Do you like to clean? If it’s still warm in your part of the country, you can give the gift of your time to clean up a local park or highway.
Babysit
Many parents would love to enjoy a night out, but finding childcare can be difficult. If you love kids, considering giving the gift of your babysitting services. Your friends/family will have the opportunity to get out of the house for a few hours – what a wonderful gift! You could even make cute little vouchers (like the ones below).
Meet up with a Friend
How many times have you made plans with a friend, only to have to cancel those plans because something has come up – like a work deadline, etc? If I have learned anything over the past few years it’s that you must nurture your relationships with friends. True friends are hard to come by, so when you have one, you need to protect that relationship. A great way to do this is by giving your time to meet up for lunch/dinner, go for a walk, etc. Always stay in tune with your friends and get updated on important things in their life.
I’ve made it a point to be much more giving with my time this holiday season. I think that this year, more than ever, we need to put as much positivity out in the world as possible and I’m happy to do my part.
How do you give the gift of your time during the holidays?
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
This made me think–what could I do? Recently, I did go visit with my 2 friends who were recently diagnosed with cancer. It was great to see them and spend time with them. I don’t think we do that enough. Great food for thought.
kookyrunner says
Thanks Wendy. I think that we underestimate the value of our time. I’ll keep your two friends in my prayers.
Tamieka says
Great advice!!
I always say to myself to go to a soup kitchen and help out. I need to follow through with this in 2017.
kookyrunner says
I think that we get back as much as we give when volunteering. It’s such a great experience!
Kimberly Hatting says
I agree, giving your time is far more valuable that monetary gifts…especially for friends and family.
kookyrunner says
Yes! I think people unerestimate the value of time!
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
Time is so very precious, and you have so many great ideas. My parents are in a retirement community (recent move) and really none too happy about it. One of the things they don’t like is being with the old folks (keep in mind they’re in their early 90s).
Unfortunately much of my time is taken up with just everything that goes along with that (and 3 furkids, and running).
But I did recently organize a runner’s brunch for 3 of my friends. I have plans to get together with some other friends in January, as the holiday season is already filled with parties for them. I can remember all too well what it felt like to be friendless when I moved here almost 8 years ago!
kookyrunner says
Totally agree – time is so precious and it seems like we never have enough of it! The brunch that you organized sounds awesome!
Anne says
I came across a friend’s Facebook post recently about feeling frazzled during the holidays, and the comments immediately filled up with her friends who felt the same. It’s so good to know we’re not alone! And then one mama had exactly your advice: your kids value the time with you much more than perfect cookies or beautiful wrapping. In the end, your time is incredibly precious, and wisely choosing how to give it turns out to be a precious gift to you, too.
kookyrunner says
It’s definitely easy to get completley wrapped up in the craziness fo the holidays – I’m guilty of it too! Not only is the gift of time free, but most often, it’s the most appreciated gift.
Lora @ Crazy Running Girl says
Love this! Great ideas π
kookyrunner says
Thanks Lora!
Debbie @ Deb Runs says
You list so many great ways we can give back. And you’re correct, giving of our time is the most generous because it is something that’s limited.
Thanks for linking up!
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much for your comment Debbie!