As a child, I remember celebrating Christmas and receiving
brightly-wrapped presents from a friend or relative. Immediately my
thoughts began to wonder what was inside the box! I barely gave thanks
as I began to tear open the wrapper, first from one side and then the
other, until the contents were finally revealed and my happiness was
tested. Had my loved one met my expectations, or not?
Back then my Christmas list consisted of stuff I longed to receive: stuff to hold and behold; stuff to play and have fun with; stuff to listen to and learn from; stuff to show off to my friends with; stuff to make my life easier and stuff to simply make me feel special.
How devastating I would feel to find an item I was not expecting - or worse yet, did not want. This situation could only be made worse by my well-intending parents insisting I give a hug and thanks to the giver. I could actually feel my heart ache, since my gratitude was not real. A different story though, if it was exactly what I had been hoping for, then a quick leap into the arms of my giver was easy to muster - since that gesture of appreciation was genuine. This hug, although heart-felt, was often cut short since its purpose was to give thanks for the gift; as such, my attention would promptly be redirected back to the gift instead of the giver.
As the years have passed, I've received many presents - and for the most part - don't remember many of them; but I do remember the special times spent with family and loved ones. What irony that the substance within the box has long been forgotten, yet the substance outside the box has left a lasting and memorable impression.
I have come to realize how special Christmastime truly is; not for the presents or stuff, but for the priceless gift we receive outside the box - special time spent with loved ones. Family and friends are a gift from God, and time spent together is something that cannot be found in a box. Instead of seeking stuff, we ought to seek: loved ones to hold and behold; friends to play and have fun with; family to listen to and learn from; time to shower our friends with; laughter to make our life easier and love to simply make us feel special.
Nothing found inside a box could ever compare to the priceless gift we receive outside the box. I pray this Christmas your greatest gift is found, not in a box!
Back then my Christmas list consisted of stuff I longed to receive: stuff to hold and behold; stuff to play and have fun with; stuff to listen to and learn from; stuff to show off to my friends with; stuff to make my life easier and stuff to simply make me feel special.
How devastating I would feel to find an item I was not expecting - or worse yet, did not want. This situation could only be made worse by my well-intending parents insisting I give a hug and thanks to the giver. I could actually feel my heart ache, since my gratitude was not real. A different story though, if it was exactly what I had been hoping for, then a quick leap into the arms of my giver was easy to muster - since that gesture of appreciation was genuine. This hug, although heart-felt, was often cut short since its purpose was to give thanks for the gift; as such, my attention would promptly be redirected back to the gift instead of the giver.
As the years have passed, I've received many presents - and for the most part - don't remember many of them; but I do remember the special times spent with family and loved ones. What irony that the substance within the box has long been forgotten, yet the substance outside the box has left a lasting and memorable impression.
I have come to realize how special Christmastime truly is; not for the presents or stuff, but for the priceless gift we receive outside the box - special time spent with loved ones. Family and friends are a gift from God, and time spent together is something that cannot be found in a box. Instead of seeking stuff, we ought to seek: loved ones to hold and behold; friends to play and have fun with; family to listen to and learn from; time to shower our friends with; laughter to make our life easier and love to simply make us feel special.
Nothing found inside a box could ever compare to the priceless gift we receive outside the box. I pray this Christmas your greatest gift is found, not in a box!
Author of Insight In Sight: Was I Born Like This? A straight gone gay gone straight lady, who shares the journey and how she did it. http://www.sylviehache.com
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