Nurture the things that matters.

“I will make time for it.” This is what my friend said when I asked her to read something I wrote and wanted her feedback. My friend has a lot of hats she is managing, so when she asked me when I wanted her to have it done, she communicated that there will always be something she needs to do but will make the time to read it.  

My friend values my friendship and over the years she has invested in it and values it enough to make time for it. It’s one of those friendships where there is a mutual investment to keep the friendship nurtured. 

I couldn’t help but think of the things I value and how much time I spend actually investing in it. Over the years, my values have changed, but there are some that have remained intact. I see how that has led to reaping the benefits of not giving up or becoming complacent.

“So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued from doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.” Galatians 6:9 (MSG)

As I get older, I realize that I truly value connection. Connection with the people I love and making new connections. I invest in them because, as one of my sons told me, I have lived for over half a century and only God knows how much longer I will live, so I honestly want to invest in those relationships.

I value my time of solitude. A few weekends ago, I took three days off for a time of personal refreshment. I had no agenda. I wanted God to plan my schedule. This was the longest time I have done that. I usually try to do an overnight somewhere once a year. I walked the streets of Old town Alexandria, took the trolley and simply rode in it until the final stop. I spent some quality time listening to God's direction as He called me higher in various areas. I invest in my times of solitude because I value the quietness and the stillness of having extended me time. 

I value the work that I do. Watching the way God helps the women He puts in my path through the service I offer is valuable to me, so I invest in certifications and courses to service them better.

I value my mom so much. I don’t know how long I will have her presence in my life so I make time to connect with her daily.

I value my husband so I make sure that we have quality time together. I remember a time when I would get upset because he wasn’t planning dates for us. Now I realize it doesn’t matter who plans it, we both want to spend quality time so I focus on that! 

I value remembering the things that bring me joy. I write daily in my joy journal something that brings me joy. It could be one thing or more. I’m up to 2,200 this year. My first entry was on January 1st: “Joe came over to celebrate New Years with me,  Hubby, Cory Jr., and Gabe, and we stayed up till midnight.” 

I value these things and more (not in any specific order) and I make time for them because they are important to me. 

Sometimes we can feel we don’t have enough time to do the things we want. I certainly can feel that way but I find peace in investing in the things I value as those are the things that bring me joy and when I am having a hard day, the memory of the time invested in those things are priceless.