"Yesterday is history,Tomorrow a mystery.
But today is a gift.
That is why they call it the present."
~Master Oogway from Kung Fu Panda
As I prepare for Christmas this year, I am using this old turtle's wisdom to help me stay focused on what is important . . . I'd like to BE THERE for my children/husband, spend less time doing selfish things . . . enjoy the PRESENT. I'm working hard on thinking of some great gifts of TIME, a concept I always promise to give and never follow through with. Any Ideas? What are the best gifts of TIME that you've ever recieved?
5 comments:
Yay! It's contagious, isn't it? I think more people are simplifying this year out of necessity, and it feels good to start a commercial revolution! Remember those little coupons we used to make for our moms and dads on Mother's/Father's day? That's what I'm giving this year!
One year I put little notes in Sophie and Abe's stockings. I promised Sophie a footrub every night and Abe a story every day. Sophie was a strong willed little girl, and the real gift was relaxing with her at the end of the day, a little detente during our daily battles.
Gifts of time I've appreciated: on two occassions when I've been overwhelmed, friends have run errands for me-- LIFESAVERS! After Sophie was born and I really thought I had lost my mind, a friend visited with me as she washed up my lunch dishes-- that afternoon I started to feel like I really could be a mom.
I'll stop there before I fill up your comment box (if that's possible.) I'm thinking about so many kindnesses right now- thanks for the post!
Becky
OK, I was going to suggest coupons too!! I think it is easier to follow through with and harder to put off until later, things that are written down. Plus they may have to clean their rooms to find the coupons. Always a plus!
H asked to go with me and get pedicures and ice cream cones on her list to Santa. I think kids want time too.
This month we are doing special "christmas dates" one on one with the kids. H had hers, the nutcracker. E will have a trip to iHop and Desperaux. Lu probablly an aternoon hopping around the mall play area or something. They want that time and they like it if Dad and I are both there, since they get a lot of me.
Good luck finding the perfect thing!
I've yet to see the movie Kung Fu Panda, but it's on my list of movies to see...soon. Gifts of time I've enjoyed giving have usually been in the coupon form mentioned above. "This coupon is good for one batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies" etc. Have fun thinking of your gifts of time. :)
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