Friday, October 23, 2009

more words from the wise

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I am continually reminded of the great wisdom that surrounds me in the form of my friends.

Yesterday, I was again given some great advice from {a friend}.

We were having a discussion about Christmas and how to maintain a balance between simplicity and gift giving, and brainstorming meaningful gifts to give that wouldn’t simply add to the amount of “stuff” we already accumulate.

I am the kind of person that loves to buy gifts for people. I enjoy pouring over ideas and searching far and wide until I find just the right gift for someone. I enjoy making gifts for people, because to me, the gift of time is more meaningful than any item. I enjoying the creativity that is involved with gift-giving at its finest – down to the way a gift is wrapped. I think I enjoy the spirit of generosity, more than the gifts themselves.

Which is good, to a point. The point being, forgetting the real reasons we give gifts during Christmas in the first place. To remember the great gift of Jesus, and to show our love for one another.

That second reason is where my humanity fails…

All too often I forget that second fact, and yesterday I was graciously reminded.

This is what she wrote to me:

…and remember, you give them gifts because you love them not just because you have to…

I read it and I had to pause. Only a friend can kindly put you in your place.

Proverbs 27:6 says,
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

How true it is, and although not entirely appropriate for this instance, it somehow seemed to fit.

How blessed I am to have friends like her.

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