The Gift of Time

The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. (Proverbs 11:25) 
 
I headed into the post office in a big hurry. I had a number of things on my to-do list, but as I entered I was frustrated to find a long line backing up all the way to the door. “Hurry up and wait,” I muttered, glancing at my watch. 
 
My hand was still on the door when an elderly stranger approached me. “I can’t get this copier to work,” he said, pointing to the machine behind us. “It took my money and I don’t know what to do.” Immediately I knew what God wanted me to do. I stepped out of line and was able to fix the problem in ten minutes. 
 
The man thanked me and then left. As I turned to get back in line, it was gone. I walked straight to the service counter. 
 
My experience that day reminds me of Jesus’s words: “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38). 
 
My wait seemed shorter because God interrupted my hurry. By turning my eyes to others’ needs and helping me give of my time, He gave me a gift. It’s a lesson I hope to remember, next time I look at my watch. 
 
Heavenly Father, all of the time I have is in Your hands, a gift from You. Please show me how to use it to bring glory and honor to You. Amen. 
 
When I read today’s devotion I was reminded that sometimes our to-do list does need to wait. Don’t be so busy in your everyday life that you miss out on the opportunities that God has to use you in the most outstanding way. Be a blessing to others in whatever way He desires to work through you. Be available, even in the most “inconvenient” moments. You never know the impact you will make to bring glory and honor to God. Time is a gift. 
 
Have a beautiful day in The Lord! 
 
Today’s Reading is Proverbs 18:21