Thursday, October 23, 2008

Are you taking the time.. to take the time?



I was reading a book and some wonderful things stood out to me. What am I doing to be a better person every day? Yes, I know I am a mother and wife BUT what am I doing to change the lives of those around me. I am sure that we have all had similar moments in our lives where we wonder if there is more that we could… ok, maybe it’s just me. I know I can think to much sometimes. So, I took this as a challenge. Now, I am not sharing this with you to boast or try to make myself look wonderful BUT to show how simple it has been. First day… I pray and ask that I will have the love of Christ in my heart so that I will and can find the moments through out my day to pass it on. Walking out of the post office I noticed that a woman had her arms full with a huge box. So, I run to open the door for her. She was surprised that I did that and thanked me several times. Ok, yes all did was open a door BUT it made her smile. Day two.. Prayed again… Regan asked me to play a game with her when I was very busy doing other things. I normally would ask her to wait until I was done doing what I was doing. I stopped that second and began to play with her. I could tell on her face that it meant a lot to her that I took the time to stop and play. Day 3.… Prayed of course… After I picked Regan up from school I walked out to the parking lot at the park across the street where I had parked my car. There I saw a woman and her little girl in tears. I asked her if she was ok. As, she pointed to the triple A truck she told me that she locked her keys in her car and he could not break in since her car was so new. She had a new BMW with a electric entry system. So, she then asked if I would drive her to her house, which of course was not close, to get her keys and then bring her back. I thought for a second… Hmmm. .. I could easily come up with a million excuses as to why I could not take her. I just picked Regan up from school and she was hungry. There were errands that I still needed to run. Well, yes of course I drove this woman and her sweet little three year old daughter to their house and picked up the key and then drove them back. She thanked me a million times over and we parted ways. Well, the reason that I share this story with you is because of how grateful I have been to notice or find these opportunities in my daily life. These opportunities that are ALWAYS there but I just don’t take the time to notice all to often. Let’s fast forward to yesterday. I was having an awful morning and things just were not going right. After I parked my car to get Regan from school I look up to see my new three year old friend, Evelyn, from the other day standing there with a bouquet of flowers. Her and her mother had been sitting there playing at the park waiting for me to come to get Regan from school and had brought me a very sweet thank you note and flowers. WOW, she took the time …to take the time to thank me and that is just what I needed. I can not even tell you how grateful I was to them for brightening my day. While we were on our fun journey the other day we got to know each other and I had told her about Collin and our sweet family. In her note she wrote. “….. You could have easily said no, my life is too hard. But instead you have a wonderful and inspiring attitude. I can’t thank you enough. Maybe God wanted us to meet and somehow I can some day help you……” The funny thing is that with out knowing it she already did. Just by showing up and taking the time to say thank you made my day and mood change for the better. It was exactly what I needed. I truly believe that she is right. I do believe that God brings people into our live for a reason then we have to do our part to figure out why and take advantage of each moment that we are offered. So, I will end by asking are you taking the time…. to take the time?

4 comments:

carrie said...

very inspiring, just what I needed today. Thank you :)

Amy said...

That is so inspiring, Julie. Thank you so much for sharing that with all of us. It really made me stop and think. It's really neat that you were able to help the woman who had locked her keys in her car and then she in turn brightened your day. Again, thank you for sharing! Oh and I was wondering if you will be coming to TX for your brother's wedding? Just let me know because I would love to meet you!

EvaMarieva said...

Thanks. It made me think and prya today about what I could be doing better.

Kristin said...

I love reading your blogs. You have such a great attitude about everything in your life. I always "click" away from your blog feeling uplifted and wanting to be a better person! You are such an inspiration to me and I'm sure to many others. Thanks for being who you are and setting such a great example! Love ya!