When we give a gift to a loved one we want to hear, "Oh, it's just what I wanted!"
But sometimes they tear off the wrapping and we get an unenthusiastic, "Oh. That's nice. Thanks."
Polite words like that puncture our shiny red balloon.
So we think, Next year I'll try harder. I'll spend more money. I'll pay more attention. I'll . . .
Blame it on our society's skewed opinion of what counts
Merchandisers of everything from chia pets to chocolate diamonds do a great job of convincing us we need their stuff.
Their message, sometimes subtle, sometimes in-your-face, is always the same:
"You need this! And the more you pay for it, the more they'll like what you give them!"
Not true!
Thinking adults understand the gifts that matter most come from the spirit, not the store.
Gifts from the spirit often arrive in plain brown wrappers. No brass bands. No cheering crowds.
They sit quietly in the corner, not making a fuss. They're just there.
Confused? Here's what I mean.
Anything we can hold in our hands starts losing its appeal soon after we get it. The best gifts, the lasting gifts, are those that make us smile even years after we receive them.
Gifts like love. Security. Faith.
(Yes, I know we can't give our loved ones faith in Jesus. But we can quietly live our faith and communicate what makes us tick.)
Love
Most of us probably grew up knowing our parents loved us, even if they never said the words. (Mine didn't.) We took it for granted that love would endure through every circumstance of life, no matter what.
The steady beat of love ran through our days like a heartbeat that sustains life.
Even though life wasn't perfect and our parents made mistakes, we were blessed, whether we recognized it or not.
Married or single, if that's what your children possess, you give lasting gifts every day.
Security
It never crossed my mind that my parents could divorce. I mean, they were married.
If you say, "Times were different then," you're right.
What hasn't changed is that youngsters who feel that kind of constancy at home are more able to concentrate on school and friends.
Call it being there, a synonym for love. That security frees them up to be kids.
Whether you're married or raising your children alone, if they can live without fear that you might leave, you're blessing them every day.
Faith
My husband and I both grew up in Christian homes and took faith for granted. At the time we married we didn't fully understand what a blessing it was that we agreed on the important issues of life.
We've lived in a number of places. With each move we immediately searched out a church that proclaimed Jesus as Savior and was true to what the Bible teaches. Only then did our hearts feel at home. After that we could settle in to our new community.
By now I know for sure there's no better foundation for building a strong marriage and a strong family than being united in faith and interacting with other Christians.
If your children are growing up--or grew up--knowing Jesus as their Savior and Friend, you're giving them what will last into eternity.
This means if you are stumped and money is tight this Christmas, relax
Remind yourself what you give--or gave--your children. Your spouse. Your parents. If you feel you come up short in some areas, remember, where there's life, there's still time.
Speak love right now. Write each one a note and tell them what they mean to you.
Retell favorite times from the past. List ways they enrich your life and help you, now or in the past. Tell them what you love about them--and be specific.
I promise you they'll hang onto that note. (Wouldn't you?)
The best gift of all
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believe in him shall not perish but have eternal life. --John 3:16
(Jesus said)"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."--John 14:27
Jesus and the peace he gives. These are the real--the best, the lasting--gifts of Christmas.
Lenore
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