I think there are times in our life that we expect gifts, our birthdays, Christmas, anniversary's, Valentine's day... of course that expectation is perhaps in large part to the media commercialism that programs us to believe the day wouldn't be complete without this special item or that wondrous gift. In a way we build ourselves up just to be disappointed..I have over time lessened my expectations, changed my focus on what is important. I think there will always be that young girl in my who would love the thrill of a gift, but the adult me realizes I am surrounded by gifts, you just have to know where to look.
Yesterday I received a most unexpected gift, and it simply blew me away, so surprising, so generous, so amazingly kind... tucked in my mailbox at church was a card, noticed it as I shuffled thru the mound of items that had been in my box, yikes, miss two weeks and it would seem everyone wanted to correspond with me :) later when I opened it I was speechless, surprised, shocked, and then confused because I simply couldn't imagine why? they had done this. The gift? a visa gift card, with a note that said have an evening out on us. That's it, nothing else, just signed the noon circle lunch bunch...wow! Thought that their gifts tended to extend towards the charity variety, not sure how we fall into this category... so unexpected, so cool.
As I thought about the gift, analyzed why (yeah I do that analyze everything, it is a maddening flaw) and finally just accepted that it was a gift and I need not know the why for it, just simply needed to say thank you and accept it...made me so happy.
I am surrounded by gifts, they just don't fall into the tangible category.
The look of a friend across a table that says with no words I understand how you feel, it is ok. Is a gift.
The phone call from a friend who talks and talks about nothing, and gives you the perfect distraction from all the heaviness in your life at the moment. Is a gift.
The person for no reason you can fathom simply believes in you and helps you find the strength to believe in yourself. Is a gift.
The hug from a child who has no other motive than they simply want a hug, and launches themselves into your arms, expecting no more from you than to simply hug them back. Is a gift.
The person who loves you, just as you are. Is a gift.
all unexpected gifts, all gifts that are treasured.
Most lives are filled with unexpected gifts, just taking the time to see them is often the biggest challenge. I say of prayer of thanks daily for all those gifts given to me, I have an amazing life.
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