Health Corner“The Perfect Gift”By Kendra Jones
As the holidays arrive, many of us find that we have a mixture of feelings erupting. Some of us are excited and giddy. Some are caught up in the pursuit of perfection – the perfect cards to send out, the perfect meal, the perfect cookie recipe, the perfect gift, etc. etc. etc. Yet, there are others that just feel alone and do not look forward to all the hoopla. They wish it would never come at all. What all of us have in common is something that was given to us a very long time ago.
It doesn’t come in a neatly wrapped box. It comes to the single, pregnant teen mom, who has become accustomed to judgmental stares and comments. A simple, genuine smile flashed to her in a crowd warms the soul. It gives the mom-to-be strength. Her faith grows. She realizes that the life inside of her is good. Most importantly, she knows that she is not alone in her decision after all.
It comes to young parents when they are told that their small child will not see adulthood. Each day as they struggle to care for, provide for, and deal with knowledge of their child’s disease, something constantly whispers to them, “It’s going to be okay. Don’t give up.” It was always there for them, but it is present for everyone to see, when years later they are told that there is no trace of the disease. Their child is fine!
It comes when tired, weary and anxious souls sit alone and wait. It seems a miserable position to be in. The reasons are numerous – waiting for word, waiting to see someone or something, waiting for a chance, waiting to be remembered – regardless, they wait. There are no friends in this place. From somewhere in the loneliness and doubt a thought of something bright causes a smile to creep across the face. Suddenly, transportation to a warmer, gentler time is completed. Although, no one else is with them to see it, Someone is there rejoicing with them.
The perfect gift that can be given or received is not to be found in a brightly colored package. It may not even end up in a modern day manger. It is what our Heavenly Father gave to us a very long time ago. We don’t have to wait for one special day. We can use it everyday, all day long. Smile at a stranger. Share your faith. And don’t forget the better moments, no matter how small they may seem. Hope, Faith, Joy – God gave them to us through Christ – use them wisely!
A special Thank You to Kendra, My Sister for her inspiration and reminding us of “the reason for All seasons”. Also, A Special Thank You to Linda Olley, R.N.
Peace, Love and Blessings,Linda Olley, R.N. My Parish Nurse
As the holidays arrive, many of us find that we have a mixture of feelings erupting. Some of us are excited and giddy. Some are caught up in the pursuit of perfection – the perfect cards to send out, the perfect meal, the perfect cookie recipe, the perfect gift, etc. etc. etc. Yet, there are others that just feel alone and do not look forward to all the hoopla. They wish it would never come at all. What all of us have in common is something that was given to us a very long time ago.
It doesn’t come in a neatly wrapped box. It comes to the single, pregnant teen mom, who has become accustomed to judgmental stares and comments. A simple, genuine smile flashed to her in a crowd warms the soul. It gives the mom-to-be strength. Her faith grows. She realizes that the life inside of her is good. Most importantly, she knows that she is not alone in her decision after all.
It comes to young parents when they are told that their small child will not see adulthood. Each day as they struggle to care for, provide for, and deal with knowledge of their child’s disease, something constantly whispers to them, “It’s going to be okay. Don’t give up.” It was always there for them, but it is present for everyone to see, when years later they are told that there is no trace of the disease. Their child is fine!
It comes when tired, weary and anxious souls sit alone and wait. It seems a miserable position to be in. The reasons are numerous – waiting for word, waiting to see someone or something, waiting for a chance, waiting to be remembered – regardless, they wait. There are no friends in this place. From somewhere in the loneliness and doubt a thought of something bright causes a smile to creep across the face. Suddenly, transportation to a warmer, gentler time is completed. Although, no one else is with them to see it, Someone is there rejoicing with them.
The perfect gift that can be given or received is not to be found in a brightly colored package. It may not even end up in a modern day manger. It is what our Heavenly Father gave to us a very long time ago. We don’t have to wait for one special day. We can use it everyday, all day long. Smile at a stranger. Share your faith. And don’t forget the better moments, no matter how small they may seem. Hope, Faith, Joy – God gave them to us through Christ – use them wisely!
A special Thank You to Kendra, My Sister for her inspiration and reminding us of “the reason for All seasons”. Also, A Special Thank You to Linda Olley, R.N.
Peace, Love and Blessings,Linda Olley, R.N. My Parish Nurse
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