Right around Thanksgiving, I ask my family for gift ideas. There’s not much surprise involved, but at least they might get something they want or can use and they’re a little beyond Santa Claus, anyway. Usually I get the question tossed back to me, and one of my sons is particularly stubborn about refusing to send me suggestions until he receives some. This creates a bit of a stand-off for a very simple reason: I want nothing.
When we were raising our sons, I would always ask my parents for ideas at Christmas, too. They could certainly afford whatever they wanted, but I still wanted to be able to give them something. I remember my dad suggesting we send a check to a charity in his name. I was not satisfied with that. Now, I think I have become my dad. Not only is there nothing I need, but I could honestly stand to do some purging (hope Dave doesn’t read this!).
In growing older, I have come to realize that the things I want are mostly intangible. I want health, relationships, family time, affirmation and encouragement, hugs… I want to know that my kids know the Lord and are following Him. I don’t need more “stuff”. My dad once said, “The most valuable thing you can give me now is your time.” Giving of yourself is the best gift ever. It’s not like punching a time clock so you can say you did it and then checking it off your list; it’s the relaxed and total focus on another person you truly care about. We have come to believe (erroneously) that money can take care of everything. But, it’s really time and a caring heart that are invaluable.
How about you? What do you want for Christmas?
“Therefore, encourage one another…” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
I couldn’t agree with you more! It’s exactly what I want. You have such a gift in the ability to say what so many of us feel or think. Thank you Teri for sharing it!❤️🤗🙏🏻
Amen. I’m grateful for the gift of a little bit of time with you recently.
Yep, I want to know the kids belong to Jesus – evidenced by their priorities and activities. AND…I want time, time to hear them and time to see them, to share meals, movies, coffee on the patio. Time is an exquisite and self sacrificial gift!
So very true, Teri!
A big Amen!!
Totally agree! The relationships that we have with others is my top priority. Sometimes a smile, text or phone call means the world to someone. Things don’t matter- people do.
Time with our children is what we want. Time to just be with them. To know their thoughts, desires. To know they treasure the greatest gift of all.
I don’t know – I kind of like having a present under the tree with my name on it. I enjoy the beauty of the wrapping, the pretty bow, wondering what could be inside, guessing who it’s from. The anticipation and then the joy of receiving something that someone was thoughtful enough to care about surprising me with. And then sharing my joy with the one who gave. It’s a happy time to enjoy with others. One year I said I wanted nothing, and I got nothing, and my feelings were hurt ’til August! I like to give, also. It makes me happy. Whether it’s a gift in a box, or a gift you cannot touch, the gift that Jesus gave us is the only one that lasts forever, can never be bought, broken or exchanged – but it can be shared with others, so what do I want this Christmas? I want a day of thanksgiving where I can share the love that Jesus gave me to my friends and family.
I want exactly what you want.