This is a tough question for me to answer. My mom bemoans the fact that she can no longer afford to buy me gifts, but that doesn’t bother me. I get very few gifts any more, and that’s fine, because I’m trying to downsize and gifts would just clutter up my already messy space.
A co-worker gave me a wonderful gift right before Christmas–a plateful of fudge and peanut brittle exactly the way my mom used to make it. I get nostalgic this time of year for the candy and baked goods that were so much a part of my family’s Christmas tradition. I don’t have the recipes–not that I could make peanut brittle anyway–and my mom is in assisted living, so she know longer makes any of those goods.
But the greatest gifts I’m getting these days are words of wisdom. So much of that comes from my blogging buddies, and I thank you for those thoughts. You may not be aware of the good that comes from sharing your life experience, but it’s there.
Then there are the gifts God gives us, sometimes in small measure, sometimes larger. This morning in church I was overwhelmed with the idea that I was created in the image of God, that God created me to be who I am. More than that, I felt a conviction that my parents were chosen for me, faults and all. I struggle with so much pain from my childhood and even my relationship with my parents as an adult, but perhaps that was all part of God’s plan for me. That’s pretty basic stuff for a lot of people of faith, and it’s not a new thought for me, but there was a wave of conviction I haven’t felt before.
I attend an Episcopal church, and I’m fortunate to have a priest who emphasizes God’s profound love for us despite our failings. We can fall again and again and God simply doesn’t go away. I find myself failing, but I know there is hope for the future.
I guess that’s the greatest gift anyone can give me, unwavering love despite my worst behavior.
Image Credits: Peace on Earth © cartoon-IT–stock.adobe.com; Fudge © olyina–stock.adobe.com; Family © GarkushaArt–stock.adobe.com
My World With Words 
God bless you, Belinda. Something that has worked for me. When I realized that God had forgiven me for so much, I learned to forgive others. But, what I want to emphasize, is that in that forgiveness I release the pain. I do not hold on to those painful moments any longer. Like me, others do what they are capable of. My parents did what they could with what they had. I didn’t know or understand their capacity. I just pray that God will continue to increase mine for others when they fail according to my perspective.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true. I’ve had to learn to forgive my parents and to understand that they did what they knew to do. I know they loved me and still do. I certainly can’t say I’m a better person than they are. Growing with God is a cleansing experience.
LikeLike
I too have a lot of conflicted feelings about my parents and the childhood I had, but I have come to accept they were humans too…and humans are often far from perfect. Your post also reminded me of one of my devotional messages that while you may be far from God’s will at any given time, you are never far from his reach. This gives me comfort when difficult decisions need to be made, and I’m not sure which one is the right path. Whichever path I choose, I have company. I am happy you got to ride that wave!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I love that “Whichever path I choose, I have company.” Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person