The Gift that Keeps Giving

 

So far this week, we have checked in with ourselves in mind, body, and soul.  Yesterday, I invited you to let loose your inner-10-year-old, who still resides and lives in you, in a holy way of hilarity.  The two prayer practices so far this week are not one and done, they can be returned to and repeated often!

 

Today, I wonder, what is the best gift you’ve ever been given?  Who gave it to you?  What was the occasion?  It may not be something tactile or tangible.  It could be the gift of an experience or encounter.  Please note, I am not asking about the gift you gave, but the one you received.  This is uncomfortable for us in a culture that demands and decrees control.  Many of us don’t like to feel in debt or beholden to someone.  When someone gives us a plate of cookies, we want to return that plate with a loaf of banana bread. 

 

I think about this because a month ago I was given the gift of additional time away, vacation.  As someone who struggles with over-functioning and can get enmeshed, the gift of stepping away and remembering that I am not defined or confined by my work.  What I do with our church is not where I get my worth.  My worth comes from God whose love is unconditional and unceasing and entirely uncontrollable by me.  Or I think about the gift of an upcoming vacation with my college-age young adult children.  This is a tremendous, holy, gift.  Or I think about the daily gift of time with my wife.  To be sure, don’t think that you only must limit yourself to one gift.  Name and notice the ways God’s love has shown up in your life through others.  And, you may want to call the person who gave you that gift today, to catch up and check in.  May the One who offers us a gift of presence and peace and possibility, be with you today.  Amen.