I love spending time with my friends and family.  Yesterday, I spent time with Kayla and smiled after leaving.  I talked to Kendra on the phone and felt warm and connected even though she’s across the ocean living in Europe.  Sometimes after being with the people in my life I don’t recall the conversation, but always remember the time spent.  It gives me strength.

One of my friends laughs most at a line in my book where I describe my brother as “giddy.”  He normally isn’t, but was after a short phone call to me in the hospital right after my brain surgery.  I could hear in his voice that he was relieved that his sister was going to be OK.  It was short phone call, but encouraging and meaningful.  I found strength in his uncharacteristic giddiness.

I recall my friends visiting me right after getting home.  They were each there for only a few minutes, but they were moments – not just time.  Margie helped me feel understood in my terror.  Nancy pushed me forward, “You’ll be fine” in a confident tone.  Time given as a gift to me was like fuel to my spirit, building strength to move forward.

As a caregiver, the ultimate gift is time.  Just sitting with someone is very important and helpful.  When someone is facing a medical crisis or recovery, you are most likely not going to have an answer or solution.  There is a time to do research to help educate and evaluate treatment options, but there is also a time when you just need to sit. Together.

God tells us to be still at times and loves to have us spend quiet time listening to Him. Speaking to Him. Being together.  Pulling strength from that relationship.

We only have so much time in our day, our weeks, and ultimately our lives.  Sharing it with others is the ultimate gift.