Short On Time

Short on Time

Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.

James 4:14

As a social worker for a hospice program, I spend a lot of time around people who are terminally ill, as well as with their families. It is one of the most rewarding jobs I’ve ever had, to be with people who are nearing the end of their lives and to watch them reflect on the years, spend time with their loved ones, make amends, and shrug off the small annoyances of life to allow space for what truly matters. They make space for things like warm hugs, soft smiles, small giggles, hand-holding, storytelling, reminiscing, listening, and sharing memories. It always reminds me that time is precious.

Recently my family and I got to visit my uncle and aunt while we vacationed in Washington. An avid outdoorsman, my uncle told us all about the area, taking us to his favorite spots on the ocean and telling us about many more areas to visit. But this gathering became even more precious to me as I watched my uncle stride slowly up the trail, seeming much more fragile than I remembered from past visits. Cancer had started to battle against his body and overall health. I listened more closely to the stories he told, especially the stories about his parents and his family growing up. I didn’t want to miss the words and thoughts he shared, knowing I wouldn’t have an infinite amount of time with him.

I texted my mom on my way home, and she wondered if she and my dad should visit as well. As I pondered my reply, I realized what is true for all of us: we never know how much time we have with those we love. We will never regret the time we spent with our loved ones, but we will certainly regret the time we missed. There is something to be said for not waiting, for speaking today with those we love, for extending kindness by reminding them how much they are loved. Because we know that our lives are like the morning fog, here for a little while and then gone, we should be encouraged even more to hold dear the people we love and to spend time with them today.

—Kendra

— Today’s Act of Kindness —

Call, message, or visit someone whom you love. Let them know how precious they are to you.