Gifts

Today I received a gift: a former co-worker messaged me informing me her dad had entered hospice, which means his life expectancy is weeks to months. She said if I was in the neighborhood to stop in to visit that he would love to see me.  I have known her dad for many years and was thrilled beyond belief to be informed and asked to visit. Amazingly, I have thought of him many times over the past months just never pausing long enough to go visit until now.  

There have been times that I have thought of a person "promising" myself that I would call and visit.  Then procrastination set in only to see that person's obituary in the paper.  I don't know why I don't honor my thoughts at the time; maybe it's only human, too. 

Yes, I can claim that time is precious but really, it may be something deeper. Is it my need to visit, to receive accolades? Or am I doing it out of love?  Lately, I have been trying to honor that small, still voice inside me when the urge to call or visit prompts me.  I really believe it is a higher power speaking to me. 

There are times when I really don't know what I should do.  Some times even a phone call is difficult because I am tempted to ask questions, which can become probing.  But, I am slowly beginning to realize there is a "gift" that has seemed to hit the mark in a very positive way. 

Recently I had the opportunity, after a lot of soul searching, to go to a visitation and funeral out of state, not informing the son, until I was an hour away.  He didn't know I was coming until a couple hours before I arrived but that whole weekend there, I never doubted for a minute that I had done the "next right thing."  With no extended family, friends held them up in support. Three of us classmates were "family" for him and his brother since there was no extended family at all. 

I had wanted to call another friend earlier, too, but didn't know how to even begin the conversation because her husband was deteriorating and expected to die.  All I said when she answered was "I have been thinking of you so thought I'd call."  And then I shut up!  She proceeded to do all the talking about what she wanted to tell me...a very simple thing.  When I'm quiet, others talk...amazing! Easy!

Courtesy of Pixabay

Our gifts of time, presence and silence may be huge for those who have everything material but they may wonder if they matter or if they are loved. Wrapping these gifts with unhurried time is all the wrapping that's necessary. Hug 'em, hang around and hush is all we need to do. With the gift-giving season upon us, maybe this little post will offer some assistance to you when you wonder, "What gift shall I give?" 

If you would like to discuss various "gifts" in your life with a spiritual director, I can be reached at 920.793.3530 for an appointment. If you would like to visit my website, see: MollyLaFond.com