Thanks to a broken washing machine and parts on backorder, I had only been able to do laundry once in the three weeks we’d been in Mexico. It was easy to wash underwear in the sink and hang to dry. Shorts and tops were a little more difficult.
Our neighbour asked frequently if our machine was working yet. Upon hearing the answer, she’d offer the use of hers. I didn’t want to be a bother so would always decline.
A couple of days ago she saw my husband outside and told him to have me bring over our dirty clothes for her to wash. The time had come to accept her offer. We were heading out for most of the day and she said she’d take care of the laundry while we were gone.
Upon returning home, we found a bag of freshly laundered and neatly folded clothes by our door. She wasn’t home so I had to wait until the next day to thank her. When I expressed my appreciation, she said, “It was no big deal.” I assured her it was a big deal to me. Her pleasure at being of assistance was evident.
This situation brought two important lessons to mind. Firstly, I know how good it feels to be able to do something to help another, yet I often deny others the pleasure of doing something for me. They can’t give if I won’t receive.
Secondly, time is one of the most valuable gifts we can offer. An act of service requiring our time may be no big deal to us, but it can make a huge difference to the one we offer it to.
In this season of giving, let’s remember our time may mean more to someone than any expensive gifts we could give. It is priceless, yet costs us little. And, best of all, both the giver and receiver are blessed.