Share the Gift of Time with Others by B J Bassett #Devotional #SundayThoughts

 “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.”  Matthew 25:40 RSV

My husband and I were eating at a neighborhood restaurant. We noticed a single father we knew sitting alone. Our kids went to the same school, and we often saw him at many school events. After we finished our meal, we moseyed over to where he sat. The long tables had benches attached to them. So we sat with him and visited while he finished his meal.

As we were preparing to leave, he thanked us for taking the time to sit and visit with him. He said, “Spending time with me was a gift, and I appreciate it.” I’ve never forgotten his words or the expression on his face.

Our time spent with others truly is a gift, especially for lonely people. Find someone to spend time with. Give them the gift of your time.

It seems like an easy thing to do—spending time with others. Yet we get so busy and are unaware of lonely folks who long to spend time with someone. 

Father, help me be sensitive to those who are lonely. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

 

B. J. Bassett encourages others as an author, teacher and speaker. Her books include a contemporary novel, Gillian’s Heart; a historical novel Lily; Sweet Charity; A Touch of Grace—The G.R.A.C.E. Ministries Story; and coauthor of a children’s devotional My Time with God, Focus on the Family, Heritage Builders, with over 55,000 copies sold.

 

As a contributing writer, publications consist of Writer’s Handbook 2000, The Writer, and The Focus on the Family Guide to Growing a Healthy Home, Wolgemuth& Hyatt, Publishers, Inc.—consistently on Bookstore Journal’s Best-selling Christian Books List from November 1990 - February 1991, and voted the 10 Best Books for 1990 by Today’s Christian Woman.

 

Magazines, devotional booklets, curriculum and newspaper publishers include Focus on the Family, Woman’s World, The Quiet Hour, Pathways to God, Devotions, Harcourt Brace, WordAction, Gospel Publishing and Times Standard (newspaper).

 

She teaches writing workshops at Umpqua Community College, Roseburg, OR and at writer’s conferences. As a speaker for Stonecroft Ministries, she tells her story of rejection and acceptance, not only in life, but as a writer as well. She also offers book talks, including discussion questions and shares the journey -- from the seed of an idea to a published book.

 

She enjoys reading, jigsaw puzzles, knitting, munching warm scones oozing with butter and strawberry jam and sipping earl grey tea.