What is the gift in this moment?

The above phrase is a writing prompt I received from one of my favorite writing blogs–posted by Claire De Boer at The Gift of Writing. (see address below*) I received this prompt on Sunday, and it caught my imagination. I even sent it off to a friend. I wanted to write something beautiful right then—perhaps about the recent bird-watching hike my husband and I took together—but I got distracted, and it lay dormant on the back burner of my mind, simmering away until today.

But as I sat down at my computer tonight, I changed my mind. I decided to write about something that is NOT so pretty or NOT nearly so interesting as watching rare birds perched in trees through the lens of my binoculars–because another gift came to mind.

As that phrase rang in my ears tonight, the answer to that little phrase came to me! It was a gift that I gave away as I hugged my married daughter good night, and closed the door behind her.

WHAT is the gift in this moment? I had to smile.

Tonight, it is the gift of Love–in various shades–to various people in my family.

THAT is the gift! Lavishly bestowed and received with joy and tears–even hotly expressed emotions, and declarations of devotion and sacrifice. It is a gift that says:

“I forgive you.”

“I trust you.”

“I understand. . .”

I’m listening. . .”

“I’ll never give up on you!”

“I care for your heart. . ..”

“I’m praying for you.”

The gift in this moment of familial interaction was returned in softly spoken words, “Thank You, Mom.”

“Thanks Grandma!”

“I love you, dear.”

The gift in this moment is given with  sacrifice.

The gift in this moment is the realization that NOW it’s my daughter’s turn to pass this gift on to her teenaged, sullen, angry son—who is testing her gift to the limits–and even acts like he doesn’t want it!  The gift in this moment, for her,  is given with  sacrifice, time, patience, long-suffering, self-control, financial commitment.

The gift in this moment was recognizing the power of reconciliation;  the restoration of  relationships, stained at best, and crumbling at worst—a gift that serves as emotional glue to put broken hearts back together again. The magic of “I’m sorry.”

The gift in this moment is the love passed between family members.

The gift in this moment is the love between mother and daughter; father and son, grandfather to grandson, grandmother to grandchild. Sister to sister, aunt to nephew/niece. Love—the kind not earned—but simply bestowed because you are family–linked by blood and generations; enduring the tests of time.

 The gift in this moment “. . .is the gift of God. . .”

Pondering this little phrase has blessed my heart–for all that it brought into my thoughts. (Thank you Claire for your writing prompt!) But I cannot close this topic without reminding myself that the gift in this moment could not have been shared without the love and example of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior—who offered us His supreme gift: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works, so that no one can boast.“ (Ephesians 2:8)

And for that I’m thankful!

I hope you will take a moment and ponder this little phrase too. What is the gift in this moment. . .for you? Write it out in your journal. How about posting your answer to me in the comments box in my post? I’d love to hear from you.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. I hope you’ll come again!

Linda

*Claire De Boer: http://thegiftofwriting.com/