3.18: True Gift

I got started thinking about True Gift a while back...but then a few things set it off...And I happen to think True Gift pairs nicely with Real Freedom. But first, the back story.

True Gift is inspired by the Georgia Peach...with whom I drank this coffee in the autumn of 2009. Time flies. Really. Because I can still feel that ceramic mug in my hand, hear the raw sugar tumble into the foam and see the Georgia Peach's blue eyes over the rim of her mug. I can see the dad drawing with his little daughter on the sidewalk of the cafe in brightly hued chalks. I can hear the shuffling whispers of leaves tumbling down through increasingly bare arms stretched above us. I can smell our pastries and eggs. And I remember the True Gift of friendship between us that day. No strings. No expectations. No rush. No bother. Just two girls enjoying a morning together.

Adding to the True Gift thoughts are the following:

I watched someone buy someone a "gift." The gift receiver felt as though they had been given more than they needed...so they gave the "gift" away. When the "gift giver" discovered the way the "gift" had been handled, chaos ensued. Future gifts were in jeopardy. Questions regarding respect and the relationship were raised. Guilt was employed. The "gift" was ruined.

I watched someone ask for a "gift." Parameters were laid out. Obligations mounted. Old abuses were re-instituted. Questions regarding respect and the relationship were raised. Guilt was employed. There ceased to be opportunity for a "gift" to be given.

This is the season for True Gifts to be exchanged. Offered without strings. Without expectations. Without rush. Without bother.

With joy. With love. With giving at the center. And what better gift to offer than a True Gift?

Time. Love. Friendship. Faithfulness. Peace. Forgiveness. Room to grow. Laughter. Patience. Truth. Understanding. Space to "be." Kindness. Gentleness. Accountability. Encouragement. Compassion. True Gifts.