W.E. Krill, Jr. M.S.P.C.

Gifting is an art. It is an art, though ,than anyone can learn to do and get good at. The word ‘present’ is often used interchangeably with ‘gift’, but they are not really the same thing in my mind. A present is something that you tell someone you want, and then they go out and buy it for you, wrap it, and then you have to act surprised when you get. Some presents you get that you did not ask for,  nor really want. The other person just felt they needed to give you something, so they bought something and ‘present’ it to you.

Once again, you have to act surprised…and pleased to get this something.

A gift, though, is different.  A gift is something that, while the person did not specifically ask for, you noticed that they may have longed for. Or better yet, a gift is something that comes from the heart and thoughts of the giver; something that in some way signifies the relationship between the giver and receiver. We all know in our hearts, that a gift’s true worth is not in the price,  but that it is from one heart to another. A gift is always a triple surprise, because the ‘getting’ itself is a surprise,  the item given is a surprise, and the sentiment that motivated the gift is, if not surprising, at least refreshing.

In this sense, the gift becomes something that gives to both the giver and receiver: the giver is able to gain great joy in the thinking about, searching out, and giving of the gift. Indeed, if the art of gifting is being done properly,  the giver still gains even if the gift is not received well by the receiver. Spiritually and intimately, gifting is an overture of love.

I recall one very memorable gift I received from my father. I was an early teenager, and got interested in drawing. Dad gifted me with a draftsman’s mechanical pencil. It was a good pencil, but likely cost very little, even so many years ago. I have used that pencil to draw just about every watercolor painting I have made since then. I always know where that pencil is (it’s in my nightstand). It represents far, far more than just a pencil, of course. It represents how it feels to have someone special to me see something valuable and special about me.

All Christmas gifting should be based in the most precious gift of all: Jesus.  For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

May you gift and be gifted well.