Christmas overflows with opportunities to give, both openly and anonymously.
Giving brings a special satisfaction, an inner happiness that can’t be duplicated. Giving anonymously for me, brings a greater sense of accomplishment…a game I love to play. The recipient of a secret gift gets the added joy of trying to figure out the giver.
A great gift takes into account the personality and desires of the giftee. A gift from a special friend adds the flavor of the relationship. I wonder how many times I’ve not appreciated the effort that went into the choice.
I don’t think I receive gifts well. Oh I do the right things, saying “Thank you” and writing thank you notes. But I don’t immediately respond, and definitely do not do so with oohing and aching. I’ve never been an overly exuberant person, so gushing is not in my personality. I’m trying to do better…so that the person knows I appreciate the gift, or even the thought behind the gift.
I remember a time when my gift receiving was, for lack of a better word, bad. While shopping in a five and ten store, Mom put me in charge of my younger sisters. We could shop for the family and have the gifts be a surprise. They wanted to buy me a gift so I gave them some money, and they brought most of the money back.
I wish I could have a do-over. They tried to give me something special and I scoffed at its cost. That wallet became my favorite and I use it for years until it fell apart.
Gratitude comes from the heart. A person who is truly thankful gives a wonderful gift to the giver. Acknowledging the sacrifice, effort, or time extended is a start. A big smile and heart felt “Thank you”…or oohing and aching if that’s your style, assures the giver that they chose well.
As we participate in this season of giving and receiving, let’s remember to take the time to thank the One who gave His Son. All good gifts come from His hand.
Oh come let us sing to the Lord, let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving. let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise.
For the Lord is a great God and a great King above all gods.
In his hands are the depths of the earth, the heights of the mountains are his also. The sea is His, for He made it and His hands formed the dry ground.
Oh come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God. And we are the people of His pasture, and we are the sheep of his hand. Psalm 95:1-7
TRICIA LATHROP 