Time is eternal.

It is in abundant supply, yet, there never seem to be

enough of it. Time is precious, but oh, how we squander
time on our hands. Time flies, we ask ourselves, where
does time go? The clock ticks away and so does our
heartbeats as we forge ahead to beat the clock.
For some, the 24 hours of a day are not enough to
allow them to meet all those commitments that
demand time, precious time. People to meet, places
to go, things to do and not enough time to do it all!

Thus the word "quality time" has evolved. Do we

really understand what it means? We share a few
minutes or hours with those we love, we call it
quality time. Is this supposed to fill in the broad
gaps of time away from them? Does this ensure
freedom from guilt as we merrily or hurriedly
go on from project to project?

Short and sweet takes on a new meaning- at times

this is all there is to share. Distance is great impediment
to keep families in close touch. Celebrations come and
go, some family members or close friends will always be
absent. They don't have the time to come and share in
a celebration.

But, technology offers a variety of options to keep in

touch with anyone, especially those we profess to love.
Many of us have forgotten the wonder of the written
word- a letter or a card in the mail can bring a smile,
tender memories or feelings of joy for the recipient.
But who writes letters these days? How much time
does it take to call someone just to keep in touch?

Time is a gift many of us forget its value. In the

midst of a busy life, it is difficult to find the time
to give to anyone but the very immediate
family. Even with this limited circle, time can be
in very short supply.

Stop a moment and reflect on this. Where and how do

we spend our time that justifies the lack of it to
share with those we love or care for? The world will
not fall apart if you take some time to be with
those you love. Your business, your career
your hobby, your social life and other commitments
that demand part of your time certainly can't
take priority over your loved ones.Not all the time.

Time can be budgeted- for those who are too

busy to stop and think of where their day goes.
How one spends time can be analyzed in order
to make more time for the important issues in life.
Remember, years will pass by, lifestyles can
change and health becomes a concern at one point.
It can happen to us!

At a certain stages in life, material gifts do not

matter. A child would rather have the presence of
Mom and Dad at school functions or other activities.
It gives that re-assurance that they really care.
These memories will be cherished for a long time.
An expensive gift clearly. spells guilt and can
not fill in a void nor smooth out feelings of
resentment and disappointment.

As we get older, presents do not have the luster

these once had. Tastes and circumstances change.
Time becomes a very dominant part of life at
this stage. Precious time shared leaves a
feeling of being loved, a thoughtful gesture that
warms a lonely heart.

A gift of time can be one of the most precious

gifts anyone can share; time that can brighten
up one's life even just for a brief moment. It
leaves memories that will last till the next time.

A gift of precious time can mean a lot.

Bonnie Moss