27. A Perfect Gift Idea

When my oldest son learned too late that his grandfather had died, (I was out of the country), and he wasn’t able to make a trip out, he called his grandmother to reminisce about all his childhood memories of "gramps." My mother related to me, later, how much this meant to her.

I began thinking back of my own fondest memories of when I was a child. We’d all be sitting in the family room listening to the radio. I’d be sitting on my father’s lap while we looked at picture books together. With my own family, it continued: I recall how much I loved having my two sons sitting on each side of me while I read a story to them.

In my personal life nowadays, living alone for many years, I’m especially aware of how much I value quiet time with a special companion over that of being public, or out and about with an active social life. Again, it’s the little acts of hand stroking while watching television, or sharing juice from the same glass that register as heartbeats with me.

I guess what I’m suggesting is that I have the perfect idea for some holiday gifts this year. My perfect gift suggestion is some "Quality Time" for as many people on your list as one can manage. Quality time involves one-on-one, undivided focused attention. Quality time usually involves two hearts speaking even when words aren’t used or necessary. Quality time is about touch without necessarily touching... it’s about seeing a face light up with knowing... knowing that one is loved.

So, maybe it isn’t too soon to get into the holiday spirit after all. Maybe one has to develop her/his own spirit and forget about all the commercial nonsense that surrounds us. Maybe giving doesn’t have to involve buying at all... just giving. Here’s my eggnog toast to each of us... may all our hearts abound with laughter and love overflowing... beyond family and friends... and beyond time everlasting. Bless us one and all.

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic