“The greatest gift we have to offer others is our own life—given fully, freely, and faithfully.”
—Henri Nouwen
I was on a mission, determined not to be deterred. The crowds, the chaos, and the apparent absence of what I was seeking on my quest would not thwart my search—the ultimate Christmas gift for the lovely Mrs. Prior.
Yet when present possibility after present possibility failed to measure up to my great gift aspiration, I began to ponder what I was really seeking to give. And then, like lightning from above, it came to me: I would give her the gift of my best self!
Immediately, creativity kicked in as I began to imagine how I could offer the gift—boxes, notes, printed photos, all tied up with a bow.
“We are called to be human in such a way that we make God visible in the world.”
—Madeleine L’Engle
I have spent the vast majority of my adult life encouraging—particularly young people—to embrace three truths:
• They are a beloved child of God, uniquely created in God’s image.
• They are uniquely gifted by the Holy Spirit.
• They are called to offer those unique gifts to the world.
You’ve been gifted – go be a gift. You’ve been blessed – go be a blessing!
When we show up fully—embracing and sharing who we are created to be—we show up as our best selves. We become living embodiments of the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—the very qualities Paul invites the faith community in Galatia to cultivate.
This Christmas, I invite us to offer the gift that is not found in a store. It is the daily, intentional work of becoming more loving, more present, more patient—of offering your life as it is still being formed. It is, quite simply, the gift of your best self.
“The glory of God is a human being fully alive.”—St. Irenaeus
Merry Christmas!
BP