When I was younger, and I used to ask an older person what they wanted for a gift for a birthday, Christmas, or special occasion, I never understood why so many of them just wanted my time. A visit, an experience with me, a trip to town for lunch. Never stuff. I always thought to myself, surely there’s some “thing” that they needed.

But as I have gotten older I realize that “things” aren’t what I desire as much anymore either, my house is full of things. It’s more the time of someone else that I appreciate most. Not to say that at Christmas I don’t have a list of items that I would like. But whereas it used to be just stuff, now if it doesn’t have a use or purpose, I don’t want it coming into my house.

The last couple of years around my birthday I have had more desire to spend the time with people I love doing something rather than just getting a gift. A couple of years ago my husband and I went for a glacier train ride. The scenery was beautiful, but spending time with my husband was priceless. It wasn’t really his cup of tea per se, but he humored me and went. I will forever remember that ride and cherish that time with him.

Last year one of my daughter’s wanted to go to Salt Lake City, Utah for my Church’s General Conference. She asked me to go along, and I decided that would work for my birthday in 2022. My parents and siblings, along with most of their kids came too. We had such a good time, and it was way better than any “thing” I could ever have received as a present and the memories will last way longer than a physical item ever would.

Yesterday my older son wanted some Panda Express for lunch. We live about 35 miles from the nearest Panda Express. He asked me if I would like to go with him. At first I thought of all the stuff I needed to get done. But then was prompted by the Spirit to remember that he will be graduating this year and I don’t have a lot of time left for these spontaneous trips to town. I went. We had so much fun! The drive, eating lunch, listening to music, visiting about things. I am grateful he asked me to go.

So what is the best gift? That varies from person to person I’m sure, but I am learning that as I get older, the gift that so many older people wanted when I was young is starting to become the same gift I desire, the gift of time.