The Gift of Time
– Musings of Dr. Jamie C. Hsu, 11.26.2017
As the excitement of gift exchanges subsides over the holidays, a thought comes to mind to share with you.
“At the time of Gifts, let’s think about the gift of Time.”
Over the numerous holidays, birthdays, and special celebrations in our lives, we have received hundreds of gifts. Some we remembered and cherished for a long time, some only gave us an instant joy and then quickly faded into our memories. I wonder how many of us remember the gifts and the givers over the years.
But if someone gave you some quality Time to share, to celebrate, to console, or to lend a helping hand, that most likely had a lasting impression and effects on you.
I remember the gym teacher who encouraged me to try new gymnastic moves; my mentor boss who told me to relax and be less strict with my people; my wife who encouraged me through the tough years as a graduate student; my grandkids who shared their innocent laughs and cries with me; and the many friends who shared common activities and enriched my life.
When I asked my daughters what they remembered the most about their childhood with me, one told me it was the silly card games we played; one told me it was our special castle fights when mom was not home. And they both remembered the special McDonald outings I had with each one separately. Those were the gifts of quality Time that made a lasting impression on them.
Our time on this earth is finite, and time is the most precious thing we can’t replace. Therefore, Time is the most valuable gift we can give to others. Volunteers give their time to make others’ lives better, teachers give their time to nurture young minds, and good friends give their time to console, to celebrate, to have fun, and to share thoughts. We shouldn’t under-estimate the lasting value and impact of the time we spend with each other, and especially with our children. It could very well last for a lifetime.
During the holidays, during a time of Gifts, let’s give the gift of Time, and cherish the Time we receive from others.
Happy New Year!
送「時間」這份禮物
-作者 許俊宸博士
-中譯 薛乃綺
在佳節交換禮物的歡喜時刻，我有個想法想跟大家分享：“在這送禮物的時節裡，別忘了送「時間」這份禮物！”
在生命中眾多的節日、生日、特殊慶祝的活動裡，我們肯定會收到加起來上百件的禮物。有些你會記得而且珍藏很長一段時間、有些只是給你瞬間的快樂，然後迅速消失在記憶中。我不禁好奇，究竟這些年下來，我們能記得收過多少禮物和送禮物的人。
但是如果有人用一些時間和你分享、慶祝、安慰或伸出援手，那將會讓你留下深刻的印象。
我記得我的體育老師曾經鼓勵我去嘗試新的體操動作；我職場的指導前輩曾勸我要放輕鬆點，對下面的部屬別這麼嚴厲；我太太的鼓勵讓我渡過研究所那段痛苦難熬的時光；我的孫子們和我分享他們天真的歡笑與淚水；還有我的众多朋友們跟我一起共享參與活動、豐富了我的生活。
當我問我的女兒們，她們回憶童年和老爸在一起，最會想起的是什麼時，有一個告訴我是她們和我玩紙牌的時候；另一個告訴我，是當媽媽不在家時，她們跟我一起玩特別版的城堡戰爭的疯狂。而且她們都記得我帶她們各自外出去吃麥當勞的點點滴滴。對她們來說，那是有價值有意義的時光，能在她們的記憶中歷久彌新。
我們在這個世界上的時間是有限的，而時間也是我們無可取代最珍貴的東西。所以說，時間是我們可以給別人的最珍貴的禮物。義工們願意分享他們的時間，讓別人的生活變得更好；老師們願意花時間去滋養年輕人的心靈。我們不要低估了彼此間那種相互扶持的價值和影響力，尤其是對於我們的下一代。那是會被珍惜和延續一輩子的。
在這個交换禮物的歡樂佳節裡，讓我們也別忘了送「時間」這份禮物，更要珍惜別人送的「時間」。
祝大家新年快樂！
