A Four-Word Gift that Meant the World
Sometime ago, I was trying to think and pray through something in my life. I had talked with Leah and some other members of my family and trusted their wisdom, but I also wanted more input, because this really was a big deal and could have affected a significant number of people. (No, it had nothing to do with moving!)
Anyway, I contacted a trusted friend and told this person that I just needed a few minutes of time to bounce something off of them. (I am intentionally using things like “them” so as not to give away anything about this person’s identity. They wouldn’t want to be known.) We set up a time and I went to the place selected.
After a couple of pleasantries, I said that I would not take much of their time because I knew they had a lot to do. That’s when I was given a four-word gift that meant more to me in that moment than I can really express.
The four words were these: “My time is yours.”
In other words, I was given the gift of attention and a listening ear. I was given the gift of being able to express not just a couple of facts, but how I felt about things. I was given the gift of being able to talk through and process advice or even possible pushback.
I had thought I would stay around 30 minutes. We ended up talking, thinking, and praying for nearly 90. Did I leave with all the answers I needed? No. But did I leave with more wisdom and ways to look at the situation. Absolutely.
And all it took was the gift of time.
Maybe I need to remember to give more people that same gift. I am driven and have to-do lists that run my life. I love schedules and calendars. It is how I organize my thinking and how I attempt to get as much done as I can.
But to what end? If I am not giving people time, then why am I doing all these things?
A few minutes here and there can really mean the world to someone. Will you give that gift to them?
AUTHOR: Adam Faughn
