Give The Perfect Gift

Christmas Day will be here in 10 short days. Another year will begin soon. As wood workers and turners, this time of year is an opportunity for us to shine like no other time. We have been given very special gifts and talents so that we may create special gifts and be a unique blessing to others.

The perfect gift will be different for everyone, but here is how to know it when you see it. The perfect gift can’t always be bought in the mall or ordered from an on–line merchant with a couple of mouse clicks, but sometimes they can. Perfect gifts are chosen with love and thoughtfulness. They are given with no thought of receiving something back. Appreciation and gratitude would be nice, but are unnecessary. Store bought items might be perfect if using them or experiencing them can be shared together, or if they will create very special memories. Fishing and hunting trips spent together are some of the fondest memories I have with my own Dad. Even a wood turning symposium or show when shared with my children and grandchildren is vastly more special and something to be remembered always.

This time of year can bring a special joy, but sometimes not as we remember those who won’t share Christmas with this year. I especially remember those sacrificing for us with the military and police service who will return later. My advice is to pray over each gift, that it goes with blessings and fulfills its purpose. Most days at home I still carry a pocket knife given to me by my parents nearly 60 years ago.

These kinds of gifts are usually unexpected, may not be fully appreciated until later and may be hard to recognize at the time. As we remember the reason for the season and the perfect gift he gave each of us through his ultimate sacrifice, Sweet Janice and I wish you a very Merry and special Christmas this year. Never forget that sometimes others are the answer to your prayers and sometimes you are the answer to their prayers. We hope you will always remember that wherever you go, there you are.

Here is my inspiration for this message:

Rom 15:7 NIV

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

Rom 15:13 NIV

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

3 John 1:4 KJV

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.