The Gift We Often Overlook

On my birthday, I decided to keep things simple and intimate. I invited only a few close friends over. What made me a little anxious was that they were coming straight from a two-day camping trip. Honestly, I wasn’t sure if they’d still make it. After all, who wouldn’t be tired after days outdoors?

But to my surprise, they came. They showed up, not just physically, but with their presence, their laughter, and their stories. I was deeply grateful.

As I thanked them, one of my friends said something that made me pause:

“Since you give us your time, we’re just returning the favour.”

That simple statement hit me. I hadn’t realized that I was already giving them something valuable: my time. I never thought of it that way. I was just being there when they needed me, sharing moments together, listening, or checking in occasionally. But to them, it mattered. And they noticed.

The Lessons I Learned

1. Time is a quiet gift.

   We often think gifts have to be wrapped or purchased. But the most meaningful gift we can give is our time. Unlike money, we can’t earn more of it. Once it’s spent, it’s gone. That’s why when we give time to others, it’s one of the most generous acts of love.

   
   

2. Others value what we don’t notice.

   I didn’t realize I was “giving time” until my friend pointed it out. Sometimes we don’t see the impact of our small actions, but to others, they are priceless.

   
   

3. Relationships grow through presence.

   We don’t always need grand gestures. Simply showing up, whether in person, via a call, or even with a simple message, keeps our relationships alive and strong.

   
   

4. Giving comes back.

   That day, I realized that what we give has a way of coming back to us. Because I had given them my time in the past, they gave me theirs on my special day, even when it wasn’t convenient.

In our busy lives, we often overlook giving the simplest yet most profound gift: our time. We rush, we plan, we fill our days, and yet the best moments often come from slowing down and simply being with the people who matter most.

So maybe the next time we think of giving, let’s start with this: pause, be present, and share our time. It may not cost anything, but it’s worth everything.

Photo by rawpixel on Freepik

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