Down to the Valley for Christmas

California Central Valley
image courtesy Photobucket.com

When we were children, we usually traveled as a family down to the San Joaquin Valley to spend Christmas with my mother’s parents.

Our tree at home was decorated and under it were gifts for each of us. Most often we would receive a new sweater, new pajamas, and other needed clothing at Christmas. Mother would sew a new doll dress for my old doll and wrap up the doll - - clothes and all for me to open. Nestled under the tree were several small surprise gifts that would keep us speculating.

“You must wait until we get back from our trip to visit Grandma and Grandpa before you can open your presents,” mother told us.

We begged, “Please,” but mother held fast to her decision. Finally she relented and said, “You may each select one gift to open, but ONLY one.”

I carefully inspected the presents, and tried to guess what each package might contain. One mysterious package was shaped like a long triangle and it intrigued me. I wondered what it could be. At last I made my choice and picked up the small triangular gift.

Carefully I opened my gift and to my disappointment it was a new “Rat tailed comb.” I had wanted something more exciting, and I told mother so. “You made your choice and it stands,” she let me know.

I am reminded in life that we often believe something looks good to our eyes but once we are able to view the inner core we are truly unhappy with the results. Sometimes it is a person, a friend, and other times it is something we think we need to purchase.

Did you even get your self in a pickle that looked exciting and discover to your sorrow and chagrin that disillusionment was your reward?

I suppose that if we would pray more before we leap, we would not fall quite so far!

Mark 14:38 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.

As Christmas time approaches, may you receive and also give many Gifts that will be long lasting. The gifts that will bless the longest in time are not purchased with gold and silver but are given and received with love shown by action.

This type of giving will not rust and decay but will continue to be enjoyed as long as the gift is kept active.

How about giving some compliments, and good words to those you love, for kind and loving words are always in season.

Good words will lift you up and never pull you down!

This post has been linked to:

“Changing the World One Word at a Time”  The word is DOWN

 and also with

Shanda’s On Your Heart 
and with
With Evatt Messy Mondays