Ephesians 5:15-16 – Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (NIV)

Time is a commodity that we never seem to have enough of. Regardless of what stage of life we are in — even in the retirement stage — we manage to get involved in many activities that fill up our time. Seldom do we hear anyone complain about having nothing to do.

My friend, who lives in an assisted living home, was telling me recently that she must drop some of her activities. She doesn't have enough private time for her daily meditations. This friend has found many ways of sharing her time and talents with the friends she has made in her new home.

Regardless of our circumstances, we can share with others, even though it's just speaking to people at the dinner table, at the store, or on the street, picking up the phone, or stopping at a friend's door to inquire about a situation in their life. "Good morning!" with a smile is a gift to be shared with others. A cheerful greeting can erase the loneliness and decorate someone's face with a smile.

God designed us to be social creatures. We find that although we only share a smile with others, it is still more blessed to give than to be on the receiving end.

Wherever we may be, whatever our circumstances, God puts us where we are for a purpose! He knows our address, and He even knows the number of hairs on our heads. He knows what we are capable of giving to others, and He also knows what we need. It might be that a smile on the grumpy face turned toward us is all that is needed to make our day feel like a success. God extends us in all directions.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for the ability to speak and smile to other people. May our efforts to communicate be what is needed to brighten our own day and to cast a ray of light into the life of someone else. Amen.

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