The Gift that Keeps on Giving
I'm a gift person. Because of that I have spent years running around looking
for presents for family and friends that say "you're special." Sometimes
it has driven my husband Ned crazy because there were times we really couldn't
afford so many presents. Not daunted, I would then dig down into my old treasures
and find something special that was mine and pass on. Christmas was the worst!
With six children, one daughter-in-law, two son-in-laws and eight grandchildren
you can imagine how many gifts I was trying to buy.
It was a special way for me to show love. It's not a bad thing. It's just
that often I felt if someone did not reciprocate they didn't care. Between
God's love and Ned's patience, I finally emerged from my self-centered cocoon
and became a butterfly. I discovered I could give gifts and not feel sad
if I didn't get one back. I have learned that each person gives us love in
different ways: some service, some kind words, and yes, some gifts.
This year has been rough on our family, as well as many other families. We
have suffered a lot of illness. It seems like so many folks have had great
emotional, spiritual, physical and financial struggles during 2007. I realize
I have not had much of a desire to do much Christmas shopping this year.
Frankly, I've been too tired! But as I sit and pray I have begun wanting
to give my family and friends a different kind of gift...the gift of prayer
for them.
I want them all to know the love of Jesus. The Bible says that there is no other name in heaven or earth that can save us but Jesus Christ, and that is the most wonderful, stupendous present I can present to our family and friends.
How about presenting it to our co-workers, acquaintances or the man who
fixes our car, or checks out our groceries? No, no Kathy, you may reply,
people will look at me, roll their eyes and reject me.
So what! Some of the most incredible miracles in my life occurred when I
told someone who Jesus is and how He can give them eternal life. My friend
Nancy first told me over 30 years ago and it was the greatest gift I ever
received, and now it's the greatest gift I can give.
Try it, and have a blessed Christmas!
Love ya,
Kathy
Kathy Thomas is the director of Woman to Woman Ministries of Tucson, dedicated to the encouragement and healing of women, which airs a weekly radio program on KGMS 940 AM every Sat. at 2 pm.and on cable television Wed. at 3 p.m. on channels 72 and 97 and Fri.at 5 p.m. on channels 73 and 98. email Kathy at hooperandhonker@msn.com.
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