Time for People
You know those people who are always in a rush. When you catch them for a brief moment to share a special story or even important information, their body language says: “I’ve got exactly 20 seconds. You better be quick!” It is really a way to say: “My other stuff is more important than what you’re saying.” Sometimes it says: “My other stuff is more important than you.”
Clock watch, ca. 1600–1610,
movement by Michael Nouwen,
Metropolitan Museum of Art,
Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
Yesterday, when I remembered one of those encounters, I thought: “I certainly hope I never come across that way!” Then, I made a commitment to myself: this is going to be a conscious priority for me. Do I have time for you? Yes. Absolutely.
Our kids, our parents, our friends, our brothers and sisters in Christ all need to know that they matter enough to be heard—and more than heard. Sometimes we have an emergency, and sometimes we simply have to be excused for a minute. At those times, we need to get back to our very important person in a kind amount of time so we can say, “Now, what were you saying? I’m very sorry I had to rush off. Please finish your story. I’m eager to hear it.”
Jesus always had time for whoever needed Him.
As God taught us in Philippians:
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit,
but with humility of mind
regard one another
as more important than yourselves;
do not merely look out
for your own personal interests,
but also for the interests of others.
Philippians 2:3-4
And the verses just before those paint a picture of what we can experience when we do.
Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ,
if there is any consolation of love,
if there is any fellowship of the Spirit,
if any affection and compassion,
make my joy complete
by being of the same mind,
maintaining the same love,
united in spirit, intent on one purpose.
Philippians 2:1-2
Having a dad that works from home and a mom that is home all day has meant our children can stop and talk to us pretty much whenever. Some days as parents we are rushing to get things done and our 9 year old has a long story to tell us about a lizard outside or a scary dream. I admit I have to use all my God-led patience to listen when I’m in “work mode”. They grow up quickly and I need to remind myself I’ll miss those long stories some day soon.