Last week, someone I don’t know took the time to email me, telling me how much an article I wrote five or six months ago meant to her. As a writer, knowing your words have a positive impact on others is a great gift. If this person hadn’t spent those few minutes writing a brief email, I’d never have known the power of my words or received this affirmation.
Time is a commodity we cherish. We claim to guard our time. But do we really? Do we waste time we could use to encourage others and enhance forward motion?
Here are some ways to use your time positively:
Affirm
While my grandson was with me, I whistled carols with great flourish. “You whistle very well,” he said. His sweet praise of my whistling told me he has learned to affirm because he is affirmed.
Affirmation is like a giant hug. Affirmation lets you know you aren’t living in a vacuum, provides encouragement, and reminds to share the gift by encouraging others. Let affirmation extend beyond your family and friends. Affirm service personnel for a job well done. Thank those who bestow a simple kindness. Affirm graciously and often.
Express Love
In the last few years, we’ve all become increasingly aware of the brevity of life. Some of us said goodbye to a loved one who had lived a good, long life. Others experienced sudden, unexpected loss. Now, more than ever, it’s important to express love with words and deeds. Be generous with your I love yous. Compliment. Provide an act of service. Express gratitude. Let love be your hallmark.
Give Time
Last week, I had a curbside visit to the doctor for a sudden, intense illness. When the doctor came to the car beside me, I noticed he spent a long time listening to the woman. Her voice elevated, I could hear that, although there for an illness, she was struggling with a personal family situation. The conversation became more of a counseling session, but the doctor patiently listened to what was bothering the woman beyond her health concern and encouraged her to take some steps to resolve her issue.
In today’s world, the gift of time is unusual. We are all in a hurry and often we overlook the importance of giving time to others. Today, could you share your time by volunteering, listening, or aiding?
Take Time for Spiritual Nourishment
Spiritual development molds us and enhances us on all levels. Spiritual focus lifts our sights above everyday problems and frustrations. Yet, taking time for spiritual growth is often placed on the back burner in favor of other pursuits. But just as the body needs food for physical sustenance, so we need to feed ourselves spiritually.
If taking time for spiritual nourishment isn’t your habit, would you consider placing a priority on cultivating spiritual growth in the New Year?
“[Make] the very most of your time [on earth, recognizing and taking advantage of each opportunity and using it with wisdom and diligence], because the days are [filled with] evil” (Ephesians 5:16 AMP).
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is a writer, blogger, speaker, and freelance editor. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotionals published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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