It has been another long day.  Your job, though it is professionally rewarding and pays the bills, take its toll on life outside of work.  Yes, there are times when you have missed Billie's games, the opening of Susie's school play, and you almost scheduled a business trip on your wedding anniversary, but you feel overall you have managed pretty well over the years to achieve a good balance between work and family.
 
It's 8:30 PM as you walk in the door.  Eight-year-old Billie, your "best buddy," is in his pajamas and ready for bed.  Upon hearing the door open, he runs to see you.
 
"Welcome home, Dad!
 
"Thank you, Billy.  You are growing up so big, and so quickly."
 
"Dad, can I ask you a question?"
 
"Sure, Billie. What is it?"
 
"How much do you make in an hour?"
 
"What!?"
 
"How much do you make in an hour?"
 
"Is this for a school project or something?"
 
"No.  I was just wondering."
 
"Well, I guess I make $35 to $50 an hour, depending on commissions."
 
Billie runs to his room and returns with something behind his back.
 
"I am not sure if this is enough, but it's all I have."
 
Billie hands his father his piggy bank.
 
"What is this for?"
 
"I have been saving for some time.  How about it, Dad?  Will you spend an hour with me tomorrow?  I have a baseball game after school, and it would sure be great to see you there. "
--------------------------------
As time marches forward, there are many people, events, and activities that require our time and attention.  We try our best to balance the needs and expectations of work with life outside of work.  We try to make time for those who are closest to us and those in need of our attention. We also try to take time to care for ourselves.
 
But many times, it seems that there is not enough time to go around.  And you wonder how you can possibly keep everyone happy, everyone satisfied, without going crazy.
 
Some thoughts:

• Time is fleeting, it waits for no one, and they are not making any more of it
• Wasted time can never be regained, recovered or rescued.  All of our time, be it long or short, is finite. 
• The people who seem to make the most of time readily give it away with their presence, their laughter, and their love.  They have found the secret is to make every moment special.  These types of people seem to make time stand still.

So how much is an hour of your time worth?  Well, if the time is for you, the hour is not worth much.  But if the hour is for someone who loves you, cares for you, prays for you, an hour is worth everything in the world. 
 
Your "Billie" is waiting for you.  Go now, before you run out of...
 
Until Next Friday,