GIVE THE GIFT OF TIME!

GIVE THE GIFT OF TIME!

Mark 6:34-36 KJV

34 And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.

35 And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed:

36 Send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat.

Mark 8:3 KJV

3 And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.

          Ours is a busy and self absorbed world. The disciples, like me, were annoyed by the pressing crowds. Sometimes needy people can tax your resources and your patience. These are people just getting by from day to day and they are searching for some relief. These are people with whom I have little in common and they seem to want something precious from me. They want my time.

          One of the curious characteristics of Jesus was that He never seemed to be in a hurry. He took, or rather gave, time to the poor, the thirsty, the weary and the hungry. When a woman touched his garment he stopped, turned around, made contact with the woman and confirmed her healing. While sitting by Jacob’s well in Samaria, Jesus took, or rather gave, time to a woman who others had long ignored. He asked of her a drink so that he could share with her the water of life. When a blind beggar kept shouting out to him he stopped and paid attention.

Mark 10:46-49 KJV

46 And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.

47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

48 And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

49 And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.

          Jesus stood still! I like that. He was stopped in his tracks by the need of this completely insignificant person. He was arrested by the person himself. Jesus gave the gift of time. How can you share time today? Perhaps you could visit an elderly and lonely person and just listen to them talk. Spend time playing with a child or visit someone in the hospital. Give the gift of time.

Dear Lord, today will be as busy as other days but help me to really pay attention to others and give the gift of time. AMEN