Our list of suggested gifts for Christmas that will not cost you any money thus far has included “The Gift of Praise” and “The Gift of Consideration” and “The Gift of Gratitude.” Another excellent gift is “The Gift of Your Attention.” There are many lonely and neglected people in our world. Some of these folks are in isolated areas like Alaska or Montana. Some live alone in your neighborhood. Others are surrounded by thousands of people but are lonely. Many are lonely because no one seems to notice them. No one befriends them. No one carries on a conversation with them. Days are long and nights are longer. These lonely people live near you. You shop with them. Do business with them. You share the doctor’s waiting room with them. Perhaps even go to church with them. I am sure you are polite. But they need more. The Psalmist described his loneliness in words that can be echoed millions of times by people today. He wrote . . . “I AM LIKE AN OWL IN THE DESERT, LIKE A LITTLE OWL IN A FAR-OFF WILDERNESS. I LIE AWAKE, LONELY AS A SOLITARY BIRD ON THE ROOF.” By giving “The Gift of Your Attention” this Christmas, you may actually rescue someone from another day of boredom and isolation. Be intentional when you speak to others. Look them in the eye when you talk to them. It amazes me how many people do not do that. Does it bother you when you are speaking to someone and they are looking across the room? Make sure you give your full attention to people when they are talking to you. By looking them in the eye when you talk you let people know that they are important to you. Listen to them. Really listen to what they are saying. As you give “The Gift of Your Attention” one of the things you must do is listen. Not everyone you meet will be desperately lonely, but everyone you meet deserves your listening ear. Perhaps you know someone who lives alone you can phone today. Do it. Perhaps you know someone in a nursing home. Visit them. If you do not know anyone in a nursing home stop by and ask the staff to show you a patient who seldom has visitors. Our lives are frequently cluttered with a thousand and one things to do. With that being true, you will find that giving “The Gift of Your Attention” will not be easy. It is not the cheapest gift you can give. It can be one of the most important.
Posted on: Thu, 18 Dec 2014 10:48:24 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015