Right at this moment, there are thousands of people hitting the stores to find that perfect gift for their friends and loved ones. And over the coming days, it will reach a crushing crescendo.

For people who already have money concerns (and there are a burgeoning number of those, except in the very upper echelons of society), this can create a lot of stress. The pressure of meeting holiday expectations that hinge on dollars spent is tremendous.

Our time is like gold

Perhaps we’re doing it wrong. The commodity that cannot be purchased or replaced with money is our time. This precious moment, that will never come ’round again, is like gold.

But we don’t really stop to think about that, at least not very often. Life is busy. We think we are managing our time efficiently, jotting off quick messages on our phones in a nanosecond, racking up our “likes” on social media. But how much true quality attention do we put into our relationships, day-to-day?

The gift of our time and attention

Perhaps our time is the most precious gift we can give this holiday season. And by that I mean, real, quality, undistracted time, being fully present with our family and friends, really seeing them and hearing them.

(I realize of course that many people have family “across the miles”, and it may not be possible to connect in shared personal space. In that case, technology is a valuable lifeline to call and say hello, I love you. And even in that case, there is a world of difference between a text message and hearing someone’s voice.)

Embrace the opportunity of now

When it’s all said and done, mostly we won’t remember the nifty material gifts we gave or received over the years. But, we will remember the faces of people we love, special moments we spent with them, and how that made us feel.

And come the day when they aren’t with us anymore, we’ll wish we had more time with them. Just one more moment to give a hug, just one more chance to say “I love you, you are important to me”.

What better time is there to do that, than this holiday season?

Photos courtesy of Jordan Benton and fotografierende, Pexels

Inspirational Quote:

…”Remember, to spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn’t cost a cent.

Remember, to say, “I love you” to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person might not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.” ~ Bob Moorehead, Words Aptly Spoken

Gift | Of  your time © Susan L Hart 2019 | Hart Haiku