I never seem to have enough time to do everything I want to do, nor all the things that other people want me to do. I have good intentions, but not enough time.

I’ve always believed that using the excuse of not having enough time was the same as saying that what didn’t get done wasn’t very important. I believe that everyone has the time to do those things he or she really wants to do, and everyone blames the “lack of time” for those things which they really don’t want to do and leave undone.

I am amazed and pleased when I see someone who unselfishly seems to have time to do all those things no one else wants to do, or says they don’t have time to do. Alfreda was one of those unselfish kind who always seemed to have time to get everything done.

Alfreda participated in activities and meetings and was always helping others. She attended all the events held at senior citizens and came to every group meeting and potluck dinner. She was attentive to those who didn’t have anyone else to talk to and helped everyone who asked. She had nice things to say about everything.

She raised four children, buried two husbands, and took in laundry to help feed and clothe her own and her extended family. She never asked for help and never complained. More surprisingly, I’m told she always gave everyone encouraging words during those early, trying years. In her retirement years I saw how she appreciated and helped others, always without a word about lack of time to help out.

When others would complain or question the wisdom of certain activities, Alfreda would never join in these negative discussions. She’d try to change the subject, or else she’d go off to talk to someone else who was sitting by themselves.

Alfreda loved a challenge. She wasn’t much for sitting around and wondering why things were as they seemed. She was more interested in asking why couldn’t things be as everyone wanted, and then trying to make them so.

Once, I went to Alfreda’s home to drop off some information she requested. I was surprised to see that it was cluttered and unkempt. How could this lady who had time to do so much for everyone else not have the time to care for her own home?

Like I said, I’ve always believed that using the excuse of not having enough time was the same as saying that what didn’t get done wasn’t very important. Perhaps that was what Alfreda was thinking, too. She felt that helping others was the best use of her time.

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