50 Days to 50
DAY 41: What’s your meaningful gift to give?
Over the past few months I’ve been intrigued by and awash with meaningful gifts. And I’m seeing this repeat pattern as a not-so-subtle sign from Him that I need to be more aware of, and more willing to give, meaningful gifts. The kind that take time. The kind that come from the soul. The kind that make me hesitate that if I give it, will they really like it, appreciate the time that went into, and dare I say, even love it as much as I did giving it? And if not, am I mature enough to go with it? Yes, Virginia, I really want to be a more meaningful gift-giver.
Likely even the mention of meaningful gifts brings up a host of those joyful similar experiences for you. At the risk of embarrassing a few friends, I want to share a few that have touched my soul and helped me be a better gift-giver.
*Lunch with Angela. A few months ago, at the start of this 50 Days journey, my dear friend, Angela, invited me over for a lunch and a chat. I can’t adequately describe what I found and felt when I arrived. The things were beautifully simple and the feeling so profound. Her beautiful house was tidy and cozy (with homemade but you’d never guess it chair covers and décor); the lunch was homemade chicken salad with fresh veggies so colorful you could almost hear them crunch in the bowl; the music in the background was soothing and warm. Honestly, I felt like I’d stepped into an emotional spa. And then she asked, nodded, and listened and listened, just like a favorite sister would, adding insights, feelings, and understanding. About two hours later I left, a bit unwillingly, with the parting words, “Every woman needs this kind of experience at least once a week.”
She taught me the priceless gift of creating an environment—within my home or myself—that is warm, listening, and nurturing to others.
*A friend’s selfless intuition. A week ago I felt to text a new-found friend, Ashlee, but thought, No, it’s Christmas and she’s pregnant, etc. (you know how we talk ourselves out of something if it seems it will, in any possible way, inconvenience another). Ironically, the next day out of the blue, she texted me and said, Let’s do lunch—and, I want to bring a friend. She did and, unbeknownst to me, had felt this friend and I could help each other in our pursuit of strengthening women and families. For about two hours this friend and I could not stop talking, amazed at the deep connection, similar thought patterns, and life preparation that made us come together and be able to seemingly fill so many needs and hopes. As I sat back, I realized sweet Ashlee had not only been content to let us babble THE ENTIRE TIME, and in our uber excitement lingo of helping women, but that she was thrilled to have connected the two of us and what may come of it.
Ashlee taught me the power of selfless gifts. That sometimes it’s not what we give, but what we are theintermediary for, and that we are willing to simply be a vital though quiet part of that gift-giving chain.
*A man-gift. A couple of months ago we went camping as a family at the sand dunes. Those who know me understand that my favorite camping spot is the Marriott Hotel. Despite that desire, for many years we have lugged tents and cooking equipment and snacks and coolers and done the camping thing ala Jeremiah Johnson. However, right before we left on this trip, my hubby bought a gift for me. What could it be—an air mattress? A generator? A gift certificate to a hotel? Verrrrry close. He bought a double-person chair. At first sight, I had to think for a moment how this was a loving gift. And then I saw it. I saw this tender man-gift in translation and heard him say, “I so adore you that I want you to sit right next to me while I cuddle you and listen to ALL THE THOUGHTS OF YOUR HEART FOR HOURS AND HOURS, with meaningful feedback and being totally present.”
I’m pretty sure that’s what that gift meant…
This taught me to appreciate the thought that goes behind the gift, and not to assume that when you see an olive green camping chair, it is simply a device for sitting.
For the remainder of this week, I’ll be posting more about meaningful gifts on my Facebook page (gifts both received and given) that have made a difference to me. I would love to hear from you and your experiences at www.facebook.com/8basics.
Happy Journey and Merry Christmas!
Connie
#50daysto50
