The Gift of Time

I am a person who tries to see the gifts of time when they are given. Sometimes it is hard to be thankful for them. For example... last night I had a sweet four-year-old who wanted to chat with me all night! She finally drifted off to sleep sometime after 3:00 AM; my body could not be so easily convinced. So, I was given the gift of time. I had two hours to be alone before kids and Jon would be awake. I prayed; I listened to my family breathe (or snore); I thought about how much I have in my life. This was truly a gift of time, but I didn't always enjoy it.

I was kind of dreading tonight. After no sleep last night, I knew I was going to be home alone with the kids tonight. (Jon has ski club on Tuesdays.) Although I love my sweet ones, I was thinking I would be a bit tired (and perhaps grouchy).

We were able to invite a friend over for dinner. She came, because the person she normally meets with on Tuesdays had something else to do tonight. (The gift of time!) We had a wonderful time!! We had dinner together, talked about Lent, and even danced to Michael Jackson (yes, that was from Allie). I was able to fold some laundry while watching the kids get hugs from another mom. I was able to snuggle with one kid while the other two were getting some special attention from a dear friend. I was able to enjoy those crazy kids, give them what they needed, and enjoy our friend. Such a blessing today!

Today I enjoyed the gift of time. I hope that I pay attention to see those other gifts that I am so freely given.