The Value of a Gift

A couple of days ago an elderly neighbor, Aileen, stopped over at my house. She had a little plant that she handed to me. She said, “I have this for you, and I wasn’t going to give it to you - it has suffered quite a bit on its way over here. You see, I had it on the kitchen table, and the cat knocked it off. I put it all back together, but it looks wobbly. Then, on my way out the door, I knocked it against the wall, I broke a couple of leaves here - ( she taped them back together!) I was going to just forget it - it looks so bad, But then I thought - gosh darn it - this plant was intended as a gift and it’s going to be one!” I laughed and happily accepted the scraggly little plant. I sat it on the kitchen table after she left and took a good look at it.

I wondered if I would have gifted it after it had been through so much - I might have saved that for myself and purchased a new one for my friend. I realized then, that her gift was a little treasure to me. Aileen knew I would love the story, accept the broken plant and take care of it as best I could. I love that she gave it to me taped and bruised. Her thoughtfulness and knowing that it’s brokenness wouldn’t matter to me was the real gift.

It takes quite a bit of effort to get from thinking about someone to doing something for them or reaching out in someway. It’s an act of hospitality. This little gift made me think about the beauty of gifting - the effort it takes, the joy it brings and the transformation it can begin. There have been so many gifts in my life and yours too I suspect. Take a little time today to think about all that went in to giving a particular gift that you loved. Who was if from? What was it? How did it make you feel? Have you given someone a gift like that?

This week - gift someone. Think about who might need a little love right now. What would that person really delight in, or be surprised by? Then plan on how to deliver the gift. Everything from the first idea to the final wrapping, and giving is important. This is the beauty of gifting. It’s a little glimpse of how God gifts us - everyday with the beauty of the earth, the sound of a loved one’s voice, the anticipation of what might unfold.

Reminders, all of them that we are alive, here for a purpose and sent on mission To gift the world with love - God’s incredible boundless love. You and I are the way that happens these days. So, be generous and joyful in your gifting and may God bless you a million times over!

Peace,

Jane