I don’t know about you, but every year around this time I feel pressure to come up with brilliant gift ideas for those I love. Advertising tends to nag at my heart and mind with this sentiment, “Expensive toys, jewelry, cars and stuff will bring your loved ones the most lasting pleasure!”
Even though I know the pleasure of owning “stuff” doesn’t last long, I still allow a little guilt to whisper, “Oh come on, if you really care.”
The truth is this, connection through affection brings a more lasting sense of peace, trust and security. Affection might look like hugs, smiles, words of affirmation, quality time spent, acts of service, and reminiscing about fun times together. Perhaps, cook a meal or sing a song of love.
Old fashioned creativity doesn’t have to be packed in a cedar chest. Nudge the parts of your creative brain from its slumber and write an affectionate note containing a blessing. Make a craft, draw a picture or actually print a picture and frame it. How about creating a family crossword puzzle with clues and answers containing family memories?
Most of all, value the personhood of each God created individual. If they aren’t very good at connection with affection, it’s probably because they have trouble trusting and have a general sense of unrest and insecurity. Maybe your gifts will help free them to join you in giving lasting gifts of love.
But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. (The Message Bible: Galatians 5:22-23)