Gift-giving

As I prepare to join a church family’s Thanksgiving dinner, I ponder what I can bring as a gift of thanks. I’m bringing frozen cranberry salad to add to the meal, but that doesn’t seem to be the right gift to express thanks for their invitation. My first thought is a recycled item, for I’m known for that style of gifting. Perhaps coasters that belonged to Paul’s mother? No. It should be something simple, not even lasting. Ah-hah! Roses from the garden that survived our first snow. They won’t last, yet simple and beautiful. A gift of flowers reminds me of how when in Russia, people brought a bouquet when coming to the apartment. Yes, that’s the gift I’ll bring.

You may wonder why I’ll not be at home with family for Thanksgiving. Becky and Paul are in Illinois with Paul’s mother. Other Gearhart family members will gather there both Thursday and Friday. Our other children are not able to come here for various reasons. All good. A new friend I met at GriefShare found out I would be alone, and she invited me to their family gathering.

Thanksgiving to me is an introduction, a prelude, to Christmas, for we are thankful for God’s greatest gift for us, personally and for the whole world. “For God so loved that He gave.” Jesus is God’s gift of love for our needed redemption. That is the ultimate in gift-giving, and I am more than thankful. I cannot adequately express my gratitude for God’s wonderful gift of Jesus.

Now it’s my time to give as a Christ-follower. As one Christmas song reminds me, I give my heart. I give my whole self to God in an expression of thanks-giving for His gift of Jesus – for me, for my family, for the whole world. Yes, that includes you too.