When the weekend rolls around, the concept of "free time" is usually a bit of an illusion. Those precious two days are heavily contested territory, instantly claimed by errands, obligations, and the deep need to catch up on sleep. Time is our most valuable, non-renewable currency, and lately, I’ve been pondering how we choose to spend it.
It’s easy to say we value a project, a place, or a community. But our schedules tell the true story. There is a profound difference between taking a space or person for granted and actually showing up for it or them.
You can learn a lot by observing where someone directs their prime energy. When we decide where to allocate our best hours, we are showing exactly where our priorities lie.
This brings me to my volunteers. As I prepare for this weekend's garden event, I am struck by a fundamental realization. When someone spends a couple of hours of their weekend pulling weeds or planting, it begs an interesting question: What makes them prioritize this? And why?
We often talk about volunteering as a sacrifice—as "giving up" our free time. But the more I watch people engage with these habitats, the more I realize that’s not quite how it works. My volunteers don't give up their time; they are deliberately investing it.
When you give something—whether it's a habitat, a project, or a connection—your prime energy, you are making a conscious choice. It is the ultimate way of saying, "Yes, I see you. You matter."
The choices create an impact that is not only felt but acutely noticed. It shows what is important, and what is an afterthought.
I am always incredibly grateful when people show up, hands in the dirt, choosing to be truly present. But watching them also leaves me with a quiet question for all of us to carry. When we look at our own schedules, who and what are we actually making room for? Who gets our prime energy, and who just gets whatever is left over?
How we allocate our hours doesn't just reflect our own values; it profoundly impacts the world on the receiving end. And for those who are ready to truly show up and make that investment, the garden gate is always open.
