One of the many things I love about the holidays is how we slow down and really connect with
people. Our family had the pleasure of hosting our neighborhood Christmas party, and my
goodness, it was awesome. I had such a great time both reconnecting with some friends we
made upon our arrival in Texas four and a half years ago and making new acquaintances.
Although I try my best all year to connect in a meaningful way, I don’t always take time to reach
out to people who are not part of my everyday “now” life. My “now” life has been very much
defined by my work activities.
My “then” life is defined by my past experiences, geographies, affiliations, etc. If you are in my
“then” life, it is quite possible that you only hear from me on your birthday and during the
holidays, if at all. There just aren’t enough hours in the day to stay authentically connected to
the then and now, or are there? Well, I’ve decided I’m going to make time to make the
connection. Yes, I’m reclaiming MY time!
Although I’m a very analytical and data-driven person, I love people more than numbers. And,
I’m my best self when I’m spending time with others, especially if we’re on a mission together.
I’m also blessed with a gift that allows me to bring out the “best self” in those who I spend
quality time with. So knowing this, why have I allowed so much of my “me” time to be spent on
evening and weekend work events, obligatory dinners, email management, and a host of other
work-related activities?
I can explain away every minute that I didn’t spend with a friend or relative, and honestly, I have
no regrets about how I have spent my time. I have enjoyed a balanced and blessed life. But
here’s the deal. As I was going through my address files this holiday season, I had to delete too
many people. Yes, I had to permanently delete them because they now have a heavenly
address. Too many in my address book have been called to glory. Too many have grandkids
whom I don’t know. Too many are sick and suffering through a serious illness. Too many have
voices that I haven’t heard in a while, although I’ve seen their aging handwriting year after year.
So starting NOW, I’m reclaiming MY time. I have 1,440 minutes each day to connect with
friends and family. I have 8,760 hours in a year to join forces with others like me who are about
something bigger than themselves. I have 5,760 minutes left this year to write a few personal
notes to people who received the Marshall pre-printed message Christmas card. (Side
confession: I really wanted to write a personal note on each card the way I did years ago, but it
was all I could do to get those 150 cards made, stuffed in an envelope, stamped, and mailed
before the due date. Mission accomplished, but few cards conveyed a handwritten expression.)
Anyway, I’m reclaiming MY time and will fix that next year as I send special notes throughout
the entire year. Boom! Notes all year . . . don’t play!
I’m reclaiming MY time because life is fragile and fleeting, and I want to laugh with some folks
BEFORE we make it to heaven.
I’m reclaiming MY time because I have work to do, a story to tell, and people to encourage.
I’m reclaiming MY time because I can!
What about YOU?