There is lies, dirty, broken in pieces, and now it smells like it has been through a sewer. That toy, that beautiful toy that was the toy of toys for that season is now laying beside garbage and refuse that has flies and vultures swarming all around it. At one time it was so fun, and now it is useless. At one time it brought such joy, and now it is clearly forgotten.. What happened to that treasured box of happiness? Why did it seem to come and go so fast? Was this indeed overall a temporary ecstasy or was it simply a wasted gift? Are there gifts that are experienced at Christmas time that are truly unwasted?
Most who have received gifts in the past have experienced the lackluster feeling that the same gift brings to them now. At one time there was such a desire for that special thing, and now it has been broken, ignored or discarded for some time. What is that special gift desired this year that will only be the object of rejection in just a few more? Is it a sweater in style? A tie? Perhaps a certain toy or technical device? By the way, who wants an Atari or game of pong now? One supposes that there is some value at least in the short-term for the gifts that will be on the garbage heap in a few years, but maybe there are gifts that will continue forever and ever that should be considered along with those that seem to disappear in desire so quickly. Think of these:
A wet kiss from grandma who greets and welcomes into her home with a sweet “Hello Darlin'”; a father who walks out of the back room with the final and greatest gift and says, “Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas” ; Christmas pies made from scratch and all the trimmings along with turkey cooked by grandmother hands for her family; children laughing as they ride their new bicycles down the streets on Christmas morning; the quiet homage that is given to the Maker during the Christmas Eve or Christmas service; the lights, smells, sounds and songs of the season; the joy of friends that celebrate together with parties and gatherings just to share time with one another; The list could go on and on.
Yes, it does seem that there are gifts that are given during this season that are not wasted in the least, and the value of them is well beyond the price of any item that can be purchased. They usually cannot be held, and many cannot be seen, but the effects of these gifts will last for years and years and years. Perhaps these are the gifts that should be longed for and given more than any others this year, and as one observes the true reason for this season he or she will find the greatest unwasted gift of all.
Until tomorrow...Why Say More?
See the military devotional “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” by Lamar Creel and Ray Hanselman at www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; and all other major bookstore sites. See it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
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