Peeking into the mailbox, I spied the package I had been eagerly awaiting.  After quickly collecting the mailbox contents and making my way into the house, I dropped the pile of mail onto the counter, grabbed for the scissors and tore into the package.   Once I was past the packing tape and bubble wrap, I carefully lifted my purchase from the box: an eye-catching tri-color metallic necklace.

While studying the necklace, I thought back to the home party at which I had ordered it the week before and recalled the battle that had raged in my head as I beheld the sample necklace.  On the surface, the thought of spending money on a gift for myself seemed a bit frivolous.  However, in this case, I realized the purchase would also be an investment since the company from which I would be buying the necklace sells jewelry crafted by impoverished artisans and offers them fair compensation for their work.  It was reassuring to know that by spending my money on the necklace, I would also be contributing to the livelihood of the woman who made it.  With that in mind, I considered my necklace to be a wise purchase as well as a precious reminder that I, in some way, helped put food on the artisan’s table.

The following morning when I went to put my new necklace on for the first time, the cord connecting the necklace to the clasp snapped.  In stunned silenced, I stared at the once precious gift that now sat broken in my hands.  Fortunately, the company from which I had purchased the necklace had an exceptional return/exchange policy and I was given the choice of returning the necklace for a full refund or exchanging it for a new one.  By the following week I had a replacement necklace in hand. Overall, despite the fact that I did experience a level of frustration when the first necklace broke, I still consider my decision to purchase the necklace a wise choice.

Each day, every single one of us receives a precious gift.  It is a gift given in equal measure to one and all, regardless of age, race or socio-economic status.  However, unlike my necklace, it is a gift that cannot be returned or exchanged.  It is the gift of time.

We are each given 24 hours in a day to spend as we choose.  However, once we spend it, we cannot get it back, so it is important to take the time to think carefully about how to use it.

What will you spend your time on?  Who will you spend your time with?  Will you invest it or waste it?  As you ponder these questions, remember there are no returns or exchanges when it comes to time.

Time is a gift.  Spend it wisely.

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