3:203 – Do You Make Time For Those Who Matter?

#faithbites #faithjourney matter

Setting

I had been working on a project for a while and made arrangements to present it to a larger group. When time came to present, I only got a couple of minutes and most of the group had to leave. While I accomplished some of what I had hoped for, I felt slighted. It was either that my work wasn’t important or people didn’t have time for me. I know that’s not the case as we are all very busy, but not getting the time you need is hard.

I relate to my youngest who always wants to play with me, cuddle me, or be with me. She wants to feel loved and know that she matters to me. Time is precious and sharing that with someone shows their importance.

Do you make time for those who matter? Do give unselfishly of your time and energy for others? What about God? Does he get his share of your time?

Scripture

• Romans 12:10 – Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves
• 2 Kings 2:2 – Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; the LORD has sent me to Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.
• Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.

Reflection

A common theme among our verses today is friendship. Helping one another, loving one another, being devoted to one another. You may ask why this is important when we are talking about making time for what matters. Friendship and love are two of our strongest emotions towards each other. When we love and our devoted to someone, we make time for them. We gladly take on extra chores, sacrifice, and do anything we can for them to feel loved, honored, and respected.

My best friend and I have always joked about friendship. We say, “Friends help you move. Real friends help you move bodies.”. Not that we need to move bodies any time soon, but where you spend your time matters. When you slight someone on your time to don’t show them how you feel, you are sullying that relationship. You may not mean it, but the time you spend with them matters.

God made us to live in harmony with one another. When we spend time, we build relationships. When we build relationships we can live in harmony. It’s hard to love those you don’t know.

While I didn’t get the time that I thought I needed, I know that the work is important and matters. Those that care about me and are my friends, say so and spend their time with me.

Do you make the time what those who matter?

Challenge

Think of one friend. Spend some quality time with them. Even if it’s a zoom call or phone call or a socially distanced coffee. Whatever it takes, take a few minutes to show them they are important to you and they matter.

Prayer

Lord, we have a million and one things on our minds. We are pulled in so many different directions. Help us to remember what is important. Let us give time to those activities that honor you and our loved ones. We want someone to pick up when we fall down. For that to happen, we need to invest in our relationships. Nudge us and direct us to make take the time that is needed for this. It is more important than earthly things. Guide us and help us always, Lord. In your name, Amen.