Tuesday, December 13, 2011

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

16 comments:

Lindsay said...

This is oh so true! I'm into that kind of giving! Thank you for linking up today with Evatt's Beautiful Mess!

Anonymous said...

Hi Hazel - great encouragement to give 'real' gifts the Christmas, those that will last forever.
God bless
Tracy

Cris Ferreira said...

Hazel, thanks for the reminder. Sometimes we get so caught up in buying presents that we forget the gifts that really matter.

Emily said...

What a great way to give someone something lasting and sweet. Gifts are so easily forgotten (or returned) but words can last a lifetime, can't they?
Thanks for visiting my blogging home :)

Shanda said...

I have been trying more to give meaningful gifts; ones that can encourage for a long time.

Henry Neufeld said...

Good post! We often focus on the price, and not how long the gift will last.

floyd said...

I agree wholeheartedly, the best gifts are the ones we cherish forever.

Carol said...

Yes, I like your thoughts on good words and compliments! I enjoyed your post.

MIchael Snow said...

Yes, and I hope we will all seek an opportunity to give the gift that lasts forever by sharing the Christmas story with someone who has not received that gift.
http://sdcougar.startlogic.com/blog/?p=169

Chuck Allen said...

I love this line: "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."

Our words can definitely build up or tear down.

Rhonda Schrock said...

"Like apples of gold in pictures of silver." That's what life-giving words are! And what a gift to give (and receive).

caryjo said...

AMEN!! I'm so looking forward to that day with Him, knowing that when I leave the earth I'm not only seen by Him, but SEEING Him and the Father and the others. What a blessing that will be. In the meantime... just serving Him is the happy time.

caryjo said...

Gifts are gifts... my husband tries to find something special for me every year. That reminds me every time of the Love the Lord has for me and His desire to make sure my gift will be a blessing... and my hope is that I will be a blessing in return.

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