Value Who Dedicates Time To You, Something That Is Not Recovered

The fact that the people we care about give us their time is a wonderful and priceless gift. That time they invest in us is something they will never get back. Therefore, it is something unique and special that shows that they love us, value us, respect and enjoy our company.

On a daily basis, for various reasons, we forget the importance of dedicating time to those people who, without a second thought, are there for us. Those who even forget that they have the phone next to their hand on the table and actively listen to us, looking us in the eyes and offering us their full attention.

This can be the origin of conflicts and loss of closeness between two or more people. Friends, coworkers, partners, and even family members. For this reason, it is important to learn to stop and value those gestures of genuine interest. It is also important to reflect on the value of time. Your own and someone else’s. 

Although today it seems that multitasking is the best to “take advantage of time”, the most “productive, sensible” and “normal”, if we do not put a brake on it, it can often lead to the devaluation of the attention provided by the people.

A story to reflect on and improve our relationships

The following short story can teach us something about the value of time. Through the story it presents, we will be able to reflect a little on this issue and draw our own conclusions.

Night has already fallen; however, the little boy made great efforts to stay awake. The motive was  well worth it; he was waiting for his dad. His mischievous eyes were dropping heavily when the door opened.

-Dad, can I make you  a question?
“Yes, of course, what is it?”
–Dad, how much money do you earn in an hour? He said with wide eyes.

His father, between annoyed and tired, was very blunt  in his answer.

“That’s none of your business, why are you asking me such a thing?”
-I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you earn for an hour?

“€ 100 per hour,” he replied, annoyed.
“Oh,” the boy sadly lowered his head. “Dad, can I borrow € 50?”

The father was furious.

If the only reason you want to know what I earn is to borrow money to buy you some silly toy, then stay in your room, don’t go out and think about why you are being so selfish.

I work hard every day to deal with this childish behavior.

The boy silently closed the door to his room. The man sat down and began to get angrier at the little boy’s question.

How dare he ask such questions just to get some money?

What is an hour of your time worth?

After an hour, the man calmed down and began to think: maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that € 50. After all Or, the child did not ask for money very often.

So he went to the door of the boy’s room and opened the door.

“Are you asleep, son?”
“No dad, I’m awake.”
“I’ve been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you.” It’s been a long day and I took my frustration out on you. Here are the € 50 you asked for …

The boy stood up, smiling.
“Oh, thank you dad!” The boy whispered, as he put his little hand under the pillow and took out several coins.

Then, he got up and pulled out from under the al some crumpled coins and bills are rusty.

The man saw that the boy already had money and began to get angry again. The boy slowly counted his money and then looked at his father.

“Why would you want more money if he already has enough?”
“Because I didn’t have enough, but now I do.” He answered enthusiastically.

Dad, now I have € 100. Can I buy an hour of your time? Please come home early tomorrow, I’d like to have dinner with you.

The father was heartbroken. He hugged the little boy and asked him forgiveness.

Valuing the other and sharing with him is to enjoy life

As we can see, sharing moments means honoring relationships and gestures of attention, respect and affection that others have for us. It also consists of sharing experiences, strengthening ties, giving meaning to moments, making them transcendental both for ourselves and for others.

Valuing the other is never about giving them money. This one has no place when it comes to time and experiences. Not everything in life is money!

The best way to respond to these “I love you” and “I care about you” that we receive from others when we share moments is by offering quality time, attention and experiences on our part. Corresponding to those gestures, words, moments, we will add well-being for all and we will fully enjoy our loved ones.