Presence. A special kind of present!

I think no matter how old we get we still look forward to opening those gifts on Christmas, or any other time of year. It’s always exciting to be surprised. I remember one morning when my youngest son was 11 he came running into the house yelling for me to come outside. He always fed the goats for me before school and I was expecting some kind of catastrophe. Instead, when I walked out on the porch, there sitting in the driveway was a beautiful brand new car. It had a huge ribbon on the windshield. It was the car I was saving to buy, in the exact shade of green that I wanted. Wow. My first brand new car. I was overwhelmed with gratefulness.

My husband also surprised me with a horse when we first moved to our farm. He is a really awesome guy! I can recall so many great gifts through the years. I was thinking this morning that greater than all those material gifts, were the gifts of presence, not presents.

I remember as a very young child, being in the hospital for weeks after having my first bone tumor removed. I still remember my grandmother traveling all the way from Pennsylvania to Arizona to be there during that stressful time. I will never forget the tremendous sacrifice she made.

When one of my daughter’s got in a very serious car accident, we were out of town. I will always be grateful to the friend who called me that day and told me our daughter had to cut out of her car and air lifted to the hospital. She could have died that day but walked away with a few broken bones and bruises. I am so thankful for the friend who remained with her until we could get home.

When I had a brain tumor removed, my husband stayed with me every night in the hospital except one. He had to preach the next morning and the hospital wasn’t close to home. It was my youngest daughter’s 14 birthday but she and another daughter came and stayed with me. I will never forget the comfort of having my loved ones near after those surgeries.

The day my youngest son started school, I was in the hospital having yet another surgery. It still brings tears to my eyes to look at the picture of my dad getting  him safely on the school bus that day. Oh there are countless memories of all the friends, family and yes even strangers who provided their presence when it was desperately needed in a situation.

Presents are wonderful and provide enjoyment for a time. The presence provided by someone will provide something far greater in value. Sometimes just remembering an act of kindness can help you through a very tough time. It’s also a blessing to remind someone of how much their act of love, kindness, compassion meant to you. To be able to express the love in your heart is truly valuable. Throughout this holiday season, give your presence.