The Most Precious Gift
Those who know me well have heard me say this time and time and again. The most precious gift you can give anyone is your time. Likewise, time is the most precious thing someone can give you.
Simple, right? Yet sometimes the idea and value of giving and receiving time is forgotten or unrecognized. Think about it.
Of all the things you value in life virtually everything, within reason, is unlimited. You can always make more money, buy more flowers or get more food, wine or followers or friends on Twitter or Facebook. But time? It’s a rare gem that should be coddled and used wisely.
Nobody has a crystal ball. But if you live beyond 80 years old, you’ll have lived about 30,000 days, or abut 700,000 hours. That’s it.
No need to dwell about this, it’s a simple fact. And it’s a reminder that when you’re fretting about finding the right gift for a loved one, or trying to figure out just what to give your team, assistant or staff for a holiday or birthday, think about giving them the most precious gift you have: your time.
Do think they would appreciate your time more than a bouquet of flowers, box of chocolates or, good lord, a gift card? When a friend is down or in need would a phone call or get together over coffee or a drink be better than a sympathy card or an email? Think about it.
It’s about time. And it’s about time we all recognize and share our most precious gifts.
Take the time and make the time. You can.
I want to take the time to tell you that this blog is such a sweet, short and succinct gift in itself. A perfect eye-opener and heart opener as I awaken – still half a-slumber, coffee cup in hand – into this new week. Thanks to you, Allan, for taking the time to share with us!
You are awesome Jeff Salz and thank you so much for taking the time to comment and share your thoughts. I look forward to continuing with more good words and thoughts and hope to inspire more great comments like this! Thank you! 🙂
Thank you Allan. Its 3.30am in SA and i cant sleep. Thank you for this little inspiration. I definately will practice it.
Thanks Ann for stopping by! Sorry for the insomnia, but I’m happy to provide some inspiration and look forward to your stories from the road! 🙂
Amazing gift is your time! Correct said! and it supports the concept and philosophy of the the minuteoflife website!
I stumbled upon this article, and it made me smile at a time I most need it. I have explained this to significant others in the past – that I don’t need gifts of “things”. Being with loved ones and doing anything or nothing — that’s the greatest gift to me.
It’s the most precious gift to give and, yet, so rarely recognized as such.
Thanks so much for your comment Wendy. I’m glad you found my post at this time — especially this time of year (holidays) where we need to be reminded about what’s real important — and what’s important to others! Enjoy the season and keep smiling!
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Karl, I love this article. It is so true as you say “The most precious gift you can give anyone is your time.” Yet we spend hours and tons of money trying to figure out what to get someone for a birthday or Christmas.
We all have the same amount of time, no more, no less and if we give a piece of it as a gift we have lightened the day of another.
I agree with all you say and appreciate this reminder.
Hi Laura,
Thanks for your comment and kind words. YES!!! This is the ultimate truth and you hit it exactly. Your presence and time with another person is so valuable and infinitely unreplaceable. Enjoy!