Tamar Miller
If you were granted an extra 5 minutes today, how would you spend it? How often we say to each other, “Just give me 5 more minutes, please.” Would you use it for yourself or to benefit others? Perhaps 5 minutes would be used for waiting, praying, worrying, or hitting the snooze button one more time before waking up. Such a small amount of time may seem insignificant but has the potential to make a big difference to another person in need of Just 5 more minutes.
What if we Just Take 5 Minutes to Give? I asked a similar question in Part 1 of Just Take 5 related to 5 seconds. Perhaps we could offer something as simple as 5 minutes of thankfulness and appreciation. To give that which is valuable to most people, for example, a short amount of time, and use a memorable moment to encourage another, speaks volumes to the one who may need a little reminder that someone still cares. Whether 5 seconds of thoughtfulness or 5 minutes of thankfulness, such simple acts of grace demonstrate the love of God during brief minutes within a 24-hour period that can impact another’s day for the better.
A focus on 1 Peter 4:10-11 explains: “Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God…if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything.”
My 5 minutes or your 5 additional minutes belong to the Lord and continue to be provided as gifts to each one of us from our Creator to enjoy, but to share with others for the glory of God. The Lord can provide hope for someone else through your brief but timely words or supportive action to benefit another that only takes 5 minutes of your time.
What are some possible ways that you can Just Take 5 Minutes to Give to another? I’ve provided some ideas below to get you started…
- Provide an encouraging word to your family member when they come home from work.
- Pray over your child before they depart for school.
- Lend a hand in bringing your neighbor’s trash bend from the curbside to their house.
- Offer to walk a co-worker to their car when it’s raining to shield them with your umbrella.
- Help carry a heavy item for another person to their intended location.
Now it’s your turn…Just Take 5 Minutes to Give! Remember…it doesn’t take much to make a big difference for another person on an ordinary day. Who knows? Your 5-minute act of grace may be what spurs someone else to Just Take 5 Minutes to Give.
www.TamarMiller.com
