Saturday, July 7, 2012

Why do we give gifts? To show our appreciation, to show our sympathy, to signify a celebration, to show our love, because we feel obligated…Whatever the reason; at some time in our lives we have all participated in giving gifts and have been the recipient of gifts.

Mandy and I went to the local thrift store today in search of some fine plastic ware that could be used while camping. We found a large supply of mismatched plates, cups, silverware, and pans. I was so excited about how much money I was saving buying second hand items. $18.00 for a complete kitchen set. As I continued to look through the miscellaneous items on the shelves, a little wooden angel holding a heart caught my eye. She had curly hair made from moss, a white and red striped dress, and the words written on the heart that read, “You’re a Special Teacher.” Being a teacher myself, I picked it up out of curiosity, turned it around and read the words written on the back of the angel. It read, “To: Mrs. Smith, From: Shannon, 1975.” I wondered who Mrs. Smith was and why this gift that had once meant so much to someone was here on a shelf tangled within a mix a plastic lids and coasters. Had Mrs. Smith passed away, did she have so many teacher gifts that they were cluttering her house, had her own children gone through some old things and cleaned out a closet for her? I will probably never know the answer to my questions. And who was Shannon? When she picked out the perfect gift for Mrs. Smith, was she so excited about giving it to her that she began to unwrap it herself when she gave it to Mrs. Smith. The gift that at one time received a smile when given, had now lost its significance and sat on a shelf with other misplaced items. It kind of made me sad, and I said, “Awe,” out loud.

Gifts…they are so exciting to give and to receive. Smiles are like gifts too and they last a lifetime. When we smile at someone, it’s contagious; the other person smiles and it makes everyone feel good. The significance of smiles should not be underestimated as gifts that we can give every day. Atleast, they can’t be left on a shelf to be picked over by strangers.

Jim was the first visitor of the day. He arrived around 7:00 AM to repay David $50.00 that he had borrowed earlier in the week. Arnold arrived around 7:30 and waited for David to get ready to leave for their regular Saturday morning trip to Georgia to get cigarettes. Little David, Melisa, and Cole made several trips back and forth to and from the house. Cole has a terrible case of pink eye. I hope he gets well soon.

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