Thank You for Your Time
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
I have a dear friend who truly lives out her Christian faith and leads her family well. I was fortunate to mentor her through the world of educational counseling, but I have been even more fortunate to call her my friend. Although I may have helped guide her professionally, she has taught me many things about faith, family, and gratitude.
At the end of many of our conversations, she says, “Thank you for your time.” Those simple words have always stayed with me. When she thanks me for my time, it feels as though I have given her a beautifully wrapped gift—and she has taken the time to receive it with appreciation. Her words remind me that time is not something small or ordinary. It is one of the most meaningful gifts we can offer another person.
Gifts come in many shapes and sizes. Some are expensive and beautifully wrapped. Others cost nothing at all. A thoughtful conversation, an encouraging word, a listening ear, or a few uninterrupted minutes can mean more than anything purchased from a store.
When my friend says, “Thank you for your time,” she gives me a gift too: the gift of feeling appreciated.
In the busyness of everyday life, we can forget how powerful those two little words can be. We move quickly from one conversation, responsibility, or appointment to the next. Sometimes we barely pause long enough to say goodbye, much less acknowledge the time another person has given us.
Scripture tells us to encourage one another and build each other up. Encouragement does not always require a grand gesture. Sometimes it looks like appreciating someone, listening without interrupting, speaking with them rather than at them, offering forgiveness, or simply saying, “Thank you.” Gratitude builds people up because it tells them, “I noticed you. What you did mattered. The time you gave me had value.”
We often think of self-care as exercising, eating well, resting, or drinking enough water. Those things are important, but caring for our hearts also includes paying attention to the good around us. When we express genuine gratitude, we shift our focus away from what is missing and begin to recognize what God has already provided.
Gratitude does not benefit only the person receiving our thanks. It changes something within us too. It softens our hearts, keeps us humble, and reminds us that we were never meant to move through life alone. The gift of time cannot be returned, replaced, or purchased. Once a moment has passed, we cannot get it back. That makes the time others choose to spend with us incredibly valuable. The same is true of the time we spend with God.
Do you thank Him for listening to our prayers? Do you recognize the moments He gives you to encourage others, speak about J.O.Y., or simply sit quietly in His presence? Every day on earth is time He has given you—a gift filled with opportunities to love, listen, grow, serve, and rejoice.
Psalm 100 invites us to enter God’s presence with thanksgiving and praise. Philippians 4 reminds us to bring everything to God through prayer and thanksgiving. Gratitude is not merely good manners; it is part of how we worship. Today, instead of rushing through your next "hello", pause for a moment. Look at the person who shared part of their day with you and say, “Thank you for your time.”
Let them know that their presence mattered.
Questions to Ponder
Who has recently given you their time, attention, or encouragement?
When was the last time you genuinely thanked someone for simply being present?
Do the people in your life know that you value the time they spend with you?
How can you use your time today to encourage and build someone up?
When was the last time you thanked God for the time He has given you?
Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of time. Help me recognize the people You have placed in my life and never take their presence for granted. Teach me to slow down, listen well, and express my appreciation freely. Show me how to use my time to encourage others, share Your love, and bring glory to You. Thank You for every moment I am given to grow closer to You. Amen.
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