Monday 9 February 2015

Time for the Poor



Modern humanity appears to be in a financial crisis like never before – and the failing currency is time. How often have you heard someone say, or even claimed yourself, that they’re time poor? (I can’t point a finger as there would be three pointing back!)

I was recently with a group of people involved in the writing industry in various ways. Each of them lead a busy life and I started thinking about all the things they achieve in the space of a week, let alone a year. It’s a pretty full load.

Interestingly, I know most of these individuals also actively create opportunities to support others, including with their time. Each activity may not necessarily equate to a huge commitment, but anyone who’s felt the pressure of overwhelming ‘to dos’ will appreciate how even a small hand can make life seem so much more manageable.

In my writing journey I can name many super busy people who have given me an investment of their most precious resource. Time. Observing their lives, I’ve noticed these individuals make generosity with their time a habit. Their investment may have been simply an email of encouragement, a book review on a relevant forum, purchasing a novel, critiquing a poem, re-posting book related events – or it may have been a far greater investment like editing a manuscript, publishing written work, making a book launch happen and so many other forms of time based support.

This brought me back to the Biblical depiction of a generous person, that being one who devises (mentally plans and prepares) generous things (Isaiah 32:8). To me this does not suggest a haphazard event, but rather a strategic, purposefully measured gift. So I asked myself – how generous am I with my time? Even more specifically, how often do I devise generous plans with my time as a writer?

I’m probably preaching to the choir, but don’t you think actively inventing ways to be generous is a great approach to life (including supporting our fellow writers)? Given our modern pressures, perhaps our best bet for effective strategising is to target one of our greatest deficits. And let's make every 'time dollar' count.




Adele Jones lives in Queensland, Australia. She writes young adult and historical fiction, poetry and short inspirational works. Her first YA novel Integrate was released in September 2014. Her writing is inspired by a passion for family, faith, friends, music and science – and her broad ranging imagination. To find out more visit www.adelejonesauthor.com or email contact@adelejonesauthor.com

17 comments:

  1. Hi Adele - thanks for a great reminder of often simple things we can do to support each other - many of which don't take a lot of our time: simple encouragement, writing book reviews, buying or recommending books, posting links etc. By supporting each other, we help make Christian writers from downunder more visible :) We appreciate the time each of our contributors take to write these posts. So thank you.

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    1. Thanks, Jeanette. It's amazing how those little investments can make such a difference - and yes, blogging included. :)

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  2. Hi Adele - Thanks for the reminder. It's amazing how much a little act of 'time generosity' can help. I've been so blessed when you and others have critiqued something I've written or have encouraged me in my writing. All of our bloggers have busy lives, but they give of their time to bring us these timely reminders. I especially like the way the Amplified Bible expresses that scripture: "But the noble, openhearted, and liberal man devises noble things; and he stands for what is noble, openhearted, and generous". Spontaneous acts of generosity are great, but good use of our time does take planning so that we're using it wisely. Thanks for taking the time to write this blog to encourage and challenge us :)

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    1. I think that's what really catches my attention when I read that verse - generosity being purposeful and planned. It's a little like giving what we've prepared in our hearts in advance (to borrow from the tithing principle). Have certainly seen this concept in motion through the huge time investments you've made to not only my writing journey, but so many others. You must just about have part-ownership of some of the writing projects going on out there! ;-) Thanks!

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  3. A lovely point of view on the wise use of Time, Adele. I hope taking time to even read these posts and leave comments is viewed in the same light. This not only reaffirms what the writer is sharing, but also perhaps garners a differing opinion. These posts are to help all writers both learn and think through the reasons of the person who posted, IMHO.

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    1. Reading and commenting on blog posts - on group webistes like CWD and personal websites too - is definitely another way to support our fellow writers Rita :) I know I get a buzz when someone leaves a comment on my website - or one of my guest posts :)

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    2. I second that, Jeanette. Reading posts and leaving comments is wonderful investment, Rita! I think we bloggers can all appreciate just how encouraging it is when people take the time to read, consider and remark on our blog posts - just like you have now. :) Thank you!

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  4. Great blog Adele and a great reminder too. As you said - you don't have to donate huge chunks of time when you seek to bless others. A small 'donation' here and another one there... they all add up and bless our world.

    Thanks Adele - that was a great idea and very well expressed too.

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    1. That's the truth, Anusha. It doesn't have to be a mammoth task. In fact, I often find it's those unexpected little 'investments' that can really make a difference to my day. And thank you for taking time out of your day to spend here on the CWD blog site. Lovely to receive your donation. :)

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  5. A timely reminder. Thank you. My time donation is teaching older people to use a computer... which is a far cry from my books on historical, religious fiction. Will see it differently now. Thank you :)

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    1. What a fantastic way to spend your time, Susan. I think it can be easy to underestimate just how much of a difference our time contributions can make. Sounds like you're investing wisely. :)

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  6. Adele, wonderful post that's power-packed with a great reminder. Paying it forward. That's what it's about. (Love time-dollar) Yes. Generosity (even a pat on the back) goes a long way, doesn't it? I've had so many writers help me, push me up this mountain. I try to repay as much as time allows (or as many time-dollars as I can spend).

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    1. You're so right, Robyn. Even what might seem a 'little' generosity can go a long way. I believe it's extremely valuable to reflect back on the many hands that keep us forging (or some days crawling! :) ) ahead over the course of our writing journey. These reflections can also offer clues as to how we can best spend our time-dollars. BTW love your extension of this thought to the 'paying it forward' concept. Fantastic!

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  7. Well said Adele. Generosity as a habit, what a difference that would make in our world.

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    1. Too true! It can be so easy to let our field of view shrink until it's focussed on our own endeavours (especially in writing where constant effort doesn't always translate into significant or immediate gain). A generous outlook would certainly start a revolution! :) Thanks, Dale.

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  8. I am reminded too by your words Adele, that God loves a cheerful giver.
    This is my favourite new saying...."And let's make every 'time dollar' count".
    Thanks for your post....love ya work!

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    1. That's great, Di - and so relevant. Begrudging generosity doesn't quite have the same ring, does it? I guess it's a little like preparing a special gift for someone. There's nearly as much joy and anticipation in the planning as in the actual giving. Thanks for your comment. :)

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