As everyone will be on the look out for just that perfect gift to give our loved ones as we move into the season of giving, it is well to ponder where this notion of giving came from. It started with God first giving us many gifts, the greatest of which was his Son. In pondering this, we realize God did not give us material possessions, gold or riches, fancy clothes, or stuff. He gave us a relationship. He offers us relationship with himself and his Son. That is God’s greatest gift to us.
In keeping with God’s theme of gift giving, let us choose gifts of relationship this year and every year moving forward. I can hear you saying, “that’s not going to fly with my kid.” And so that is why you might choose gifts that involve relationship. Get a game or toy and do it with your child. Buy your wife a new dress with a gift card to the movies and dinner with an invitation to a date night. Buy your husband that new putter along with a gift certificate to tag along and be his caddy for the day. God did not only create us for relationship; he created us “to be in” relationship with Him and each other. So, expand your heart and your comfort zone this season with a gift of relationship.
— Carrie Ellis, LMHC