Being Thankful

The Gift That Does Not Disappoint 

My father died when I was only 10 years old and left my mom to raise four children on Social Security income. We were poor but we did not think of ourselves as poor but at Christmas it became pretty obvious.

There were no toys at Christmas -- all our gifts, including those from our relatives were clothing and necessities. Looking back on it now, I recall my disappointment when I would open the big box from my uncle and aunt and only find jeans, shirts and underwear instead of the toys I hoped for.

In my childish mind, I had different priorities from those of my mom. However, she knew that in order for us to survive we had to make every dollar count. So my idea of a Christmas present did not match hers. Of course, she knew best. 

Sometimes as adults, we failed to appreciate the wondrous gift that Christ gave us with his coming to this earth. Our attention seems to be focused on accumulating more things for ourselves and our families instead of the worshipful, reverent attitude we should have at this time of year.

Just to slow down and relish the beauty of the season and remove our thoughts from the giving and receiving of gifts is a huge demand on ourselves. Yet how else can we appreciate this divine gift given so freely and so generously?

It will be difficult, but make the commitment to yourself to set aside time to think about this gift of all gifts that exceeds anything we could even dream of.