the most thoughtful gifts

on being a friend

“Who…? Did you…? You didn’t, you couldn’t have ….”

Jeff’s eyes dance, waiting for me to figure it out.

—

Years ago, a person contacted me. I didn’t know him very well, just professionally, really. He was also a pastor, further down that road than me.

“We’d like to bless you,” he said. “With some books.”

Such a kind gesture. We were broke, and at that time - well, for a long time - buying a book felt like a luxury.

It wasn’t the top priority.

But sometimes I’d scan bookstore shelves for an hour or more, deciding which would be the best, would last the longest, would be the most engaging, would teach me what I wanted to know at that time.

I wondered which books he would send. People give pastors books, sometimes. “You should read this, Pastor.” Sometimes they’re right.

His message continued. “Send me a list of 3 or 4 books you want, and we’ll buy them for you.”

I gasped. Three or four? Of my choosing?!

It was one of the most thoughtful gifts I had ever received.

—

I look downstairs, where the Christmas tree glows with soft lights, all the familiar ornaments from years gone by, evoking various memories.

We struggle each year to decorate for Christmas. There are a number of  reasons, but for my part - I’m usually writing a final paper in the first week or two of December. And I’m a pastor. There’s a lot going on at Christmas.

It’s not the top priority.

—

Recently, that same pastor contacted me again. “I saw you posted about two women, new to pastoring. What books can we send them?”

I smiled, remembering when I had been the amazed recipient. I’m smiling now, even as I write this.

“I’ll find out,” I said.

—

Jeff waits, smiling.

I pause and then I know. Our neighbour who has become a friend. She has the extra key to our place. She and I chatted recently about Christmas.

“It was her, wasn’t it?”

His smile widens. “She wanted to surprise you, so she asked me if she could put up our tree.”

And so I gaze at the soft glow of our Christmas tree, now with another memory, another story.

It’s one of the most thoughtful gifts I have ever received.

—

Jesus, thank You for people who are so  … well, GIFTED … at giving. Thank You for friends who notice what we need, and simply give it, no strings attached. Help me to be that kind of friend too. Amen.