The Gift Of My Time
Jun 21 '00
Being a new parent can be very challenging! Whether its your first baby or your fifth! Sometimes it is very difficult to get our everyday tasks accomplished! I felt like I was constantly nursing, changing diapers, nursing, rocking, nursing, playing with the older children, nursing...well, I nursed a lot! Ha! There was not time for me to do most of my household jobs, and when there was I was too tired to move!
In fact, if you have ever been in any situation where your entire life is turned upside down, be it by good or bad circumstances, you probably know how difficult it can be to just to accomplish everyday, normal, household jobs. Even getting the carpet swept can sometimes be a difficult task, both emotionally and physically! As the mess or clutter builds, so can our stress!
I have found the best gift to give our friends or family in difficult circumstances is the gift of me (or my husband and children whom I always happily volunteer)! Our time is what we offer.
I think what can I do to help them through this difficult time?
Whether its a birth or a death, a sickness in the family, a big move or emotionally trying times. A little alleviation can be given just by offering our assistance with small, every day chores.
A meal is always the first thing that I try to get together. Something simple, but complete. I try to always include a beverage, butter for the bread, salad dressing for the salad. I don't know what they have in their fridge, so I include it all to avoid a trip to the store just in case! Napkins, paper plates, paper forks, paper cups, everything disposable. This gives them the choice of whether or not they want to tackle dishes. It just makes it that much easier on them.
An offer to baby-sit any children. This would be on the top of my list! Give them some time to themselves, to choose to do whatever they want to do. They might use it as quiet time with their new baby, to take a nap, to pray alone, just the choice that is given them with a little freedom, can be very comforting and healing.
How can you help around their home? Can you offer to do anything with cleaning? Laundry? Dusting? I cleaned out someone's fridge for them last week. She has horrible morning sickness and has been exhausted. She was SO relieved to get that dreaded job over with!
Sometimes we are just not up to doing these miserable, daily jobs. Whether someone is physically able to do it or not! A helping hand can make someone feel a whole world of emotional and physical healing.
With older or ill people, can you take them to the store, doctors office or wherever they might need transportation? Perhaps you can even do their grocery or staple shopping FOR them? Can you pick up their prescriptions for them? Can you give their dog a bath? Can you weed their garden? Can you wash their car or vacuum it out?
The possibilities are endless. Endless ways to HELP others.
Sometimes people might need gentle prods...its hard to tell someone that your backed up on laundry and need help! Or to verbally wish someone would just mop the kitchen floor for them...its hard for me to ask also!
I usually like to open my conversation with, "If there was one chore in your house, that you wish was already done, what would it be?" Then I offer to do that very thing for them. If they protest, I say, "Well, wouldn't you do that for me?" Usually, they laugh and say yes! Then the ice is broken and I can dig in! If they continue to seem uncomfortable, I never force myself on them. I just say to feel free to call anytime. I know at least I have offered and sometimes people need to be alone!
You can choose to do many of the above suggestions or just one. Im sure you can think of many other household things to help with!
I guarantee, there is no small job when it comes to sharing yourself and being willing to give yourself! You will also find that emotional and physical healing quality for you personally when you give that unique gift that no one else can give. The gift of YOUR time! :)
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Epinions.com ID:
TAMA102861
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Member: *~Tamara~*
Location: Ohio
Reviews written: 30
Trusted by: 95 members
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