In watching last minute shoppers scurrying around for that one more perfect gift it made me think that often what people need at Christmas and throughout the year is not so much the material of the world but something more on a deeper level. I call it the greatest gift of all.
The greatest of all gifts is LOVE. You may not be able to find or afford sometimes what you think someone would like. But the greatest of all gifts has another unique characteristic compared to those gifts that are material in nature. It is FREE. Our material gifts may be used up, forgotten, or have no value at some point in time however our love will last people a lifetime.
The power of love is vastly underestimated. It transforms lives. It can be as simple as a hug, a smile, a thank you, a kind act, some listening at a key point in someone's life, some carefully selected words, a thoughtful card or letter, or most of all just time spent with another, stranger or loved one. Remember, the greatest gift is not found in a store nor under a tree, but in the hearts of true friends.
So my friends give the greatest gift of all, give love this Christmas.
Right on Gary! A timely reminder!
Happy Holidays,
David Swierczynski
Perrin: It's just another one of those "the best things in life are free."
David: Seasons Greetings to you.
Linda: I like that "homemade" term. Aren't some of the best gifts, including this one homemade?
Gail: Merry Christmas.
Rob: I've heard it said man needs love more than food.
Mary: The true story of Christmas.
Kathy: Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. You've got it figured out.
Donna: You know your stuff...
Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.
Gary,
In the rush of our busy lives, at times we may forget our real priorities,...and you said it very well.
Good time to slow down. Love is a matter of spending time, not rushing time. This is why we reflect on this at Christmas, when we allow ourselves time to listen and to love.
Merry Christmas
Jon: Great point about slowing down. When we are silent we can really listen to our inner voice.
Jesse & Kathy: Right you are that there is an endless supply of love if we only will allow it to flow.
Thank you for this wonderful Christmas post. That's what it is all about and I wish you love, joy and blessings in the New Year.
Gary,
Very well said. Our society is so material driven now a days that it is important to take a step back and remember what life is about.
Have a Merry Christmas
Cynthia: May you and your family receive many blessings now and into the New Year.
Martin: Merry Christmas to you as well!
I could not agree with you more Gary! My wife and I just welcomed our first child into the world 3 weeks ago and THAT IS OUR PRESENT TO EACH OTHER THIS YEAR! Nothing else, nothing material, we both said what else do we really need?
Merry Christmas
Hi Gary - what a great message you've shared, and sadly too often overlooked. There is no greater gift to share than love....and a simply wonderful gift to receive as well.
I wish you a wonderful Christmas and a great 2008!
Ann
Joan: There will always be the whiners among us. But you can see through that and know what Christmas and gift giving is all about. Merry Christmas!
Ann: Thanks for your beautiful comments. Love the lights!