Gifts Money Cannot Buy
“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” I Corinthians 13:13 NKJV
As I sit down to pen this article, our town is brimming with people. The Christmas parade has come and gone. Little ones are wired with their tummies and pockets filled with sugary treats. Eager shoppers rush to find perfect gifts for family and friends.
For forty-two years, Russell and I either exchanged gifts or planned a special outing for our anniversary or Christmas. Other times, he brought me gifts when he thought about it (not necessarily for a holiday or anniversary). Often he gave flowers, carefully choosing the container.
Of more value to me than the flowers, were the little cards. The words clearly came from his heart. He seemed to know when I was feeling old or inadequate and had the right words to encourage me. They were his words in his writing; priceless!
If you steal my purse, take all the money (both dollars!), just please leave this card. Seriously, it is one of my most treasured gifts and cannot be replaced. Money can’t buy the tenderness in the words my sweet husband penned in 2016. Eight years later, his final “I love you” was as meaningful as his first.
As you continue your holiday shopping, are you giving the best gifts? Your time? Your attention? Your prayers? Could you take time to write a simple love note to include with your gift? Perhaps you can join me in resolving this year to pen a tiny note to each of our loved ones every month or so.
We are reminded in this season that the Greatest Gift, while free to us, cost God His only Son. Jesus freely gave His life so that we could have forgiveness of sin and be with Him in Heaven. If you have not received this free gift or have someone you are praying for, jot me a note. Eternity is at stake.
May Jesus be more real to you this Christmas than He has ever been.
Love, hugs, and prayers.
Susie
love reading your heart! Thank you for making Jesus the real reason we celebrate.
Thank you, Donna. And thank you so much for your prayers and support.
My elderly Mother is 98 years old and prays daily that God would take her home to heaven. In addition, my children’s father is battling with Demetia and has reached the point of wishing God would also take him to his heavenly home. They both struggle with pain and being unable to do things for themselves. It is a real challenge dealing with each of them. You tell them the same things day after day trying to comfort them, but they forget. Mom does pull out old letters to re-read; she loves to get mail. As with all of us, she mostly gets advertisements. Once in a while, her face brightens at the sight of a familiar name. How hard is it? It only takes 20 minutes to write a note, address an envelope and stick it in the mail. Lord help me! That is one of my worst faults – and I have many. Someone is with my ex-husband every day, throughout the day. My kids take morning and evening shifts. How difficult that is!! Lord make me more aware of where I can ease someone’s pain while they wile away the days.
Regina,
Thanks for sharing your heart. Amid it all, I am sure you spread joy wherever you go. Some send cards, and others, such as you, can pray and give a smile along the way.
I have been overwhelmed with your beautiful cards and calls at just the right time.
I am praying for you and your family.
We cannot comprehend such a load, yet we can trust our Father. Love and hugs