As I reflect on the upcoming Christmas season that appears to be celebrated earlier each and every year, one gift stands out. The doubt the two givers remember. It was so long ago that if we calculated the gift-years like dog years we would be well into the triple digits! My memories of that day are blurry with the passing of time. I remember a smile, thank-you hugs, and being touched. I had no idea how meaningful a t-shirt with a corny phrase would come to be. When I wear it now, as faded, holy, and falling apart as it is, I am still touched, perhaps now more than ever.
Life uses this gift to remind me of the following.
The “best” gifts are ones that are shared between hearts. Great gifts never start with their price, although Black Friday and the Cyber days try to tell us differently. In my case, it was a low-cost item that could have easily fallen into the 80% off bin at some point. Surprisingly, the material has lasted and endured. The gift has become the best because of a simple expression from one to another that says “I love you” in its own unique way.
We do not always recognize the how important something is when we receive it. This gift reminds me to savor moments when someone says thank-you or you are able to give them what nobody else could at the time. To the lady yesterday struggling to open her umbrella as a tropical rainstorm unleashed itself, you gift expressed through your eyes and voice will stay with me for a long time! I was lucky enough to be there and to hold my umbrella over you for a moment. Your gift from the heart will stay with me, filling me with a sense of hope, calling me to more.
Opportunities should be seized. Each gift received or given is unique. In this spirit, I am taking the psalmist advice; “Thank God for his marvelous love, for his miracle mercy to the children he loves.” (Psalm 107.31)
