I love my wife and am equally sure that she loves me. However there is one area where our relationship is visibly different. Simply put; Cherry may or may not remember our anniversaries or buy a present for special occasions. Even when she does the type of gift is likely to be radically different from one I would have chosen. I know at the heart of the exchange that we share common feelings, but it can be a stretch for others to understand this.
I tend to go towards gifts that can be seen as extravagant. They must have the person’s name on them, loudly express what I feel, and finally make a statement. As an example; on her last birthday I gave Cherry the gift of friendship; providing a birthday flight/transportation package to her close friends in New Jersey to come to England and celebrate with her. The surprise that started when she woke up to their voices outside her bedroom was complete and priceless!
In contrast, the wrapped in paper gift of my last birthday still amazes me. Totally unexpectedly, with anticipation or links to anything in my past, I received a soft-wood bird feeder especially designed to hold fruit via a spear through the middle. There is not question that this type of “gift gets attention; it buys the attention of eminent [and not] people.” (Proverbs 18.17)
The gift has caused me to reflect on what Cherry & I exchange on a daily basis as well as special occasions. It is easy to focus on the externals, yet Cherry demonstrates so clearly and openly that she gives me unconditional and complete love that it is easy to take things for granted. Twenty-three years of love, friendship, and the willingness to put up with disappointments.
Cherry’s gift is amazing, awesome, and priceless. The only comparison is the one that God has for you and me. Love when we do not deserve it, restoration when our lives are not as great as they could be, and mercy when we deserve justice. You have this too.
