First Baptist Church of Herndon

The Value of Time

Linda Soller | Dec 21, 2020

How appropriate that we look at the value of time on the first day of winter. The day with the least amount of daylight. I was watching a Hallmark movie and the leading lady said that while December 21 was the shortest day, she knew each day going forward into winter would get longer and so it seemed hopeful. It was a nice take on what might otherwise be a gloomy day. 

Over this past year I have gained a renewed sense of the value of time. Time alone grew longer, time at home grew longer, time with family grew shorter, time with friends grew shorter, and for too many the ultimate time here on earth came to an end. We waited for the pandemic to slow, and we waited for the vaccine to come, and we wait for the vaccine to be distributed.  As we mastered the art of waiting, we learned to value our time. Even going to the grocery store became a dash in and dash out experience. Those who could not go to the store found themselves at the mercy of someone else’s time to go for them. Seconds and minutes once carelessly ignored and neglected took on a new significance. 

When I consider all of this, I appreciate the value of time more than ever. Even so, now, and then, I find myself squandering my precious time. When that happens, I remind myself what the giving of your time says to others. Wrapping gifts is the Christmas activity that brings my progress to a grinding halt. It has never been my favorite, for a variety of valid and some silly reasons. This year I tried to remind myself that the time I put into wrapping is worth it because of the joy it brings others to tear that paper off and discover their gift. Little do they understand that part of the gift was in the time it took to wrap it.

And so, we continue this odd journey we currently call life. We will chat, facetime, zoom, email, videotape, and photograph in an effort to connect in some way. It will all be worth the time, in the long run.

Love  can be seen, felt, and treasured in the time we give to others. :o) Linda