Most years the right things just seem to jump out at me off the shelves. I consider myself a pretty good gift giver as I usually do end up with a really great gift for everyone. But this year feels a little different. Physical items aren't jumping out at me but instead I have the strong desire to give my family members things that cannot be put in boxes.
It first occurred to me while doing some daily devotions over a morning tea. It was only beginning of November, but the annual gift monologue had already planted its seeds. I managed to shut it off for a half an hour while I made breakfast and then sat down with my Bible, turning to Galatians, one of my favorite books. And I came across this:
"But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law" - Galatians 5:22-23
As the month continued on, this verse only grew more prominent in my mind. That's what I wish I could wrap up for the people I love. These metaphysical things that would theoretically guide them through the rest of their lives. The perfect gifts - lasting, special, needed. And my gifts have escalated beyond just the fruits of the holy spirit. They include things like self-awareness, pride, motivation, etc and I've picked the perfect "concept" for each loved one.
If only I really could purchase these ideas for them.
Here it is. My Christmas Shopping List for 2012.
We'll start with the little ones.
My great nephews, Lyric and Saren - To them, I would give the gifts of Understanding and Empathy as they grow from babies and toddlers to children and then little people and then finally enter the world of adulthood with the knowledge that everyone is trying the best they can with what they have and what they know.
To my nephews, Clay, Tye, Noah, and Colby, I give Respect, Cooperation, Loyalty, and Kindness to aide them in their ascents to teenage and adulthood. Though it's sometimes hard to conceive that these faces will one day be husbands and fathers to some lucky women, those days are not that far away in the grand scheme of things. As brothers, they can accomplish anything with cooperation and loyalty and from there I wish that they grow into young men who apply that same respect and kindness they gave their peers for many years to their future lovers.
To my nieces, Jacqueline, Meegan, Jessee, and Stephanie - Passion, Love, Dignity, Pride, Beauty. I believe that finding one's passion is enough motivation and drive to take a person to the very end of the earth and back. To love and be loved is one of the most powerful human abilities known to the universe. Be proud of who you are and where you come from and use that as motivation to take care of your bodies. You only get one, remember. You are all already so beautiful - inside and out - and my wish is that everyone you encounter in your life can see it like I do.
To my sisters, Brenda, Jody, and Stacy - Joy, Patience, Appreciation. I wish that the rough patches of life be subsided with a soft voice and a gentle touch so when you look back on the memories of your children, only the positive ones matter and the joy and happiness of those memories will carry you through the rest of your years. You deserve appreciation for everything that you do as moms, but I would also grant you appreciation for the present. Time flies and we forget to cherish each moment, even the ones that are not so nice - because they will all be missed when it's all over.
To my brothers Allen, Kevin, and Ray - Security, Assurance, Self-Control. My hope for you is that you are assured about the respectable men I look up to you as. You have created great role models and a high standard for me while dating and looking for a man that someday I will give my entire life to. I have watched how you have provided and cared for your families for almost as long as I have been alive. Your wives are lucky to have you as husbands and your children are lucky to have you as fathers. I hope you feel as secure as you seem and that you continue to put the importance things at the forefront of your lives.
To Ryan - Purpose and Integrity. To find a passion, something that motivates you. Something to live for. The reason why you were put on this earth. And to discover how satisfying it is to do the right things for the right reasons.
For Mom, I want to give something physical that possesses an omniscient power. I would like to give her an eraser to permanently erase all the hurt, mistakes, heartbreak, and grudges from the past. Courage to learn and move on from every challenge that life throws at her. Independence and the Assurance of knowing that she doesn't need anyone else to complete who she is as a person.
For Dad, Time. Time to play. More time spent doing things he loves with people he loves and less time working. The days are long, but the years are short. I was blessed to have him as a father, even if I did come along a little later in his life and my only hope is that he will get to walk me down the aisle and meet my children and watch them grow up and graduate from high school, just like he did with my brothers and sister and their children.
And lastly, for my grandparents, Forgiveness and Faithfulness. They were married for 25 years, then divorced for 25, and have been remarried for about 10 again. They have a story unlike any other that needs to be embraced. Past hurts need to be forgiven so that they can remain each other's one and only. It's a love story worth holding on to.
These are not things I can award to another person. There are only two beings that can endow a person with these things - oneself and God. Therefore, I will be praying for my family this Christmas. I will be praying that they feel the fortune I have felt to be a part of this family all of my 21 years. That they feel loved and are filled with joy not just this Christmas season but for the rest of all time to come.
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