The word "Time"

Part 3 of 4. Read Part 1 here. Read Part 2 here.

It's amazing how such a little word can bring on so many emotions... The joy when the time has finally come to see a loved one, the sadness when it's time to say goodbye, the panic when you see the time and realize you are late, the surprise when you look at the calendar and see another month has passed, the ache in looking at pictures of your baby who has grown too quickly... The list could go on. Time is precious! Each moment is such a gift that so often we waste.

This Christmas season is already flying by. I just want to hold onto each moment a little longer, but I can't. It's a busy time for all of us. Our days are filling up, free nights are scarce and we are trying to cram as much into our calendar as possible before this season is over. It's exciting and wonderful, but I have to wonder... Will I look back at this time and feel that none was wasted on merely fun activities? Or will I look back and be thankful that no moment was wasted, but instead spent on doing what I can to make a difference in other people's lives? I long for my life to be a life of worship to my Lord in everything I do.

When I think of Christmas memories, I remember very few parties. I remember my parents letting us serve others. The greatest gift you could ever give to your children or yourselves is serving and giving to others. Below are some ideas of ways you can minister and love on others - even strangers!

*Adopt a family who is not able to provide Christmas gifts for their family. What a wonderful way to take the focus off of what we want and place others first.

*Carol at a hospital or nursing home. Seeing joy on faces as you walk into a room is a memory you will never forget as you sing familiar songs to people who are ill or older. It cheered my heart when I was in the hospital for several days, to hear beautiful (or not so beautiful) singing as I was wheeled between tests.

*Invite widows and/or widowers to a Christmas luncheon in their honor. This time of year is difficult and no matter how much time has gone, the ache is always there. Let your kiddos love on them - I was blessed to be able to hug on my 'grandmas and grandpas' and will always cherish the memories...

*Visit nursing homes and pamper the residents. I remember so many years of going to nursing homes and painting finger nails and setting up a store made up of that each person could come through and 'shop' for items they would like to give to their loved ones. The tears would pour down their faces as they went through the line and their choices were gift wrapped, so thankful they had gifts to give.

I could list so many more opportunities to share the greatest gift ever given to us in Jesus, but you don't want to read a book today! Just one more way to simplify the season and magnify the reason for the season.

Catherine

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