Posted on January 3, 2013 - by Shari Barr
The Gift of Time
Christmas is a time of giving. It’s easy to remember to give to the less fortunate when we see Salvation Army bell ringers at every store, church outreach missions soliciting donations, community service projects in action, and other worthwhile charities requesting our contributions.
Though charities depend on the generosity of people in order to collect dollars for their individual causes, I can’t help but wonder what would happen if we took things a bit further.
The definition of charity according to the Random House Dictionary is “generosity towards the poor.” I believe this goes beyond monetary gifts.
I’ll admit that there have been times in my life when I have felt uncomfortable when I’m “out of my league” in social situations. I would bet that the poor often feel the same way. As I thought about this, I came up with a few ideas that would force me to give a little of myself to someone less fortunate, as well as material gifts to my favorite charities. Here are a few ideas I came up with:
- When possible I should offer my assistance to someone in need, such as babysitting occasionally or driving someone to the doctor.
- When I can afford it, I should consider hiring someone looking for work to do odd jobs for me, such as cleaning or yard work. Not only would it help them financially, it would help me keep my own life in perspective as I get to know them.
- The elderly are often on fixed incomes. Gifts of a warm meal and a visit to their homes could make someone’s day. Many elderly persons live alone and find it hard to cook for one. I can think of several older friends, many who are still active, but would enjoy a home-cooked meal delivered to their door.
- Many senior citizens don’t have the means to get out much. The next time I take a drive to my old stomping grounds I should ask one of my older friends who lived in the same area to ride along and reminisce.
- Most importantly, as a Christian I should give the underprivileged the gift of friendship, just as I would want to be treated if the situation were reversed. A simple “hi” or an invitation to my house could mean the world to someone down on their luck.
Now comes the hard part—actually living out my own suggestions. Here’s where I need to go to God in prayer and ask Him to give me that nudge to remind me to treat others like Christ treats us. Especially the poor and down-trodden.
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January 3, 2013
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Rose Ross Zediker said:
Shari,
Those are great ideas!
When my husband read gas meters for a living, he told me that he had many elderly customers, who’d offer him cookies/coffee to prolong his stay. Even though he was on a schedule, many times he’d visit with them for a few minutes. He was certain that he was the only person some of them saw all month.
That is a sad and sobering reality for people who live alone, and something we all need to be aware of.
Obviously, your post has got me thinking….Good Job!
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January 3, 2013
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Brenda Anderson said:
The gift of time is probably one of the most valuable things we can give, especially with our uber-busy lifestyles.
I love all your ideas, Shari. Thanks for passing them on. Now, to put them in action …
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January 3, 2013
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Kav said:
Great ideas — and simple enough to do. Something even people on a tight-budget could do. You’ve given me food for thought.
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January 3, 2013
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Shari Barr said:
Rose, that’s so wonderful of your husband. He’s doing a world of good. More than he realizes, I’m sure.
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January 3, 2013
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Shari Barr said:
Brenda, finding the time to give time will be the tough part. I’ll have to work on it-big time.
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January 3, 2013
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Shari Barr said:
Kav, if only I could remember that our time is something so many people want from us, more than material things. And it’s free to give.
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January 3, 2013
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Dawn Ford said:
I know that John’s dad, after the rheumatoid arthritis took his mobility, was always alone. A few people would visit from time to time, and an old employer at Christmas still brought him a gift, but he was very lonely. It made our visits to him so much more important. Then we had Grandma and Grandpa Ford and my mother which none ever got out much. Although Mom lived in a senior housing, she didn’t like the cattiness of the women down in the social room, so spending time with all of them was a vital part of keeping them going. It is very important.
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January 3, 2013
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Shari Barr said:
That’s so thoughtful of John’s dad’s employer. It’s the little things that mean so much to someone who is lonely.
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January 6, 2013
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Kim said:
Those are wonderful ways of giving back.