Boxes and Bows

At the time this blog will post, Christmas will be twelve days away.  It seems we just got started, and yet, here we are almost to the finish line.

It is an understatement that the holidays are not always a happy time for many people.  There are many reasons this can be the case, and I would be lying if I said I did not sometimes struggle with the holidays myself.  I have mentioned in previous blogs over the years that I think one reason for this is the curse of unmet expectations.  

The current short story, “Christmas & Tchaikovsky” unfolded a twist of two anonymous packages left for Libby.  At the end of part 2, she still does not know the giver.  She wants them to be from Chance Ford, the good looking customer who keeps flirting.  I hope you will continue to read as there are still part 3 and 4 to come.

I was reminded talking to a friend this past week that gifts do not always have to come wrapped in pretty paper and bows.  Often times, the best gifts are the things we cannot wrap.  The love of a friend, a hug from a child, a dog that follows you through the house because they cannot bear the thought of not being near you.  

Isn’t this very knowledge the whole purpose of the Christmas celebration?  Humanity was given a gift of love that came in human form.  A tiny baby wrapped in “swaddling clothes.”  Do you even know what swaddling clothes are?  Narrow strips of cloth, wrapped around a baby to keep it from moving.  Not even real clothes, but scraps of cloth.  We can be sure there was no pretty bow either.

This gift of love lives in us and through us 365 days a year.  We can give and receive it at will, and it never gets worn or needs replacing.

Now THAT is a gift to get excited about!

Sending love,

TH Countz