The question for today over at Jaime Ridler's 'Wishcasting Wednesday'
http://jamieridlerstudios.ca/ 'What luxury do you wish for yourself?' was one I almost passed by. I have to admit that when I first saw the question for today I really didn't feel the pull to participate that I usually do each Wednesday. I didn't feel as if there were any 'things' that I could possibly wish for that would bring any more joy or satisfaction into my life. I have too many 'things' as I am often reminded on cleaning days and laundry days...I have all the basics, food, shelter, clothing even loving relationships.
Then I remembered a lesson we tried to teach our high school youth group at church last spring. We can donate clothing and food, we can throw money at our favorite charities but the most valualble thing we can give is our time. Why??? because our time is finite, we have a certain amount of it and no amount of riches will buy you more. It is our most valuable possession, making it the greatest thing we can share.
My dear sweet husband, a very loving man, is a 'workaholic'. I have to practically stand on my head to get him to take a break and give in to spending down time with his family. Vacations are always a struggle to take, even his weekends are filled with 'chores'. I have tried to tell him that we would rather have his time than all the riches he can bring to us by working harder but it's a difficult idea to instill in a man who believes his primary function is to provide for his family. I often hate to approach the subject with him as I know he feels he is giving everything so that we may live in this comfort he feels we 'need'.
Five years agao my older and only brother suffered a brain aneurysm and survived three brain surgeries. We are blessed to still have him with us but he is not, nor will he ever be the same man again. He is permanently disabled and legally blind. He too was a workahloic, never taking time off and now he will never do the things he thought he would get to 'someday'. He is the same age as my husband, you would think this would have had an impact on hubby's work habits, it didn't.
Last night I received a phone call from my older and only sister, she has been diagnosed with lung cancer. I feel numb, heavy hearted, lost. My sister was much older than I when I was growing up (more of a mother figure than sister) so it's only been recently that we have really reconnected and started enjoying each other's company. We laugh, talk, antique and shop together. She taught me how to sew last fall. This cannot be happening, my heart screams! I just found her again, I can't lose her now! I am thankful that we have connected the last few years but I want more, more days sewing together, more days shopping for vintage things, more times sharing meals and laughter, more time!!!
So if I could wish for a luxury, it would be TIME. Time to love more, laugh more, connect more...but remember where I started, our time is finite so time cannot be wished for. We simply need to cherish each and every moment we have been given. Never postpone joy, kindness or happiness. Live each day as if it's your last, or your loved one's last, squeeze every possible second to show love, share love, give love, deserved or not, unrequited or not. Simply love...
