This time of year much of the emphasis seems to be on the importance of giving—of being more charitable to those less fortunate than us. Or, in a commercial sense, all the shopping is about answering the question, “What gift should I give this year?” But what about receiving? No child would leave a wrapped gift under the tree unopened, and yet many of the gifts that are so freely offered often go unnoticed and unappreciated. When this happens, those gifts go “unreceived.” In essence, a gift “unreceived” is a gift not given.
An experience I had long ago made me contemplate the gifts that are given that may go unreceived. When I was in my early twenties, I had the opportunity to live and work in France for a number of years. One of my favorite activities was teaching English to French youth and adults. On Thursday nights, I would begin teaching at 5:00 p.m. and teach a class every hour for five hours. I had about 150 students that I helped learn the finer nuances of speaking English, and they helped me to improve my French.
When the holiday season rolled around, I thought it would be fun to enroll everyone in doing a service project to benefit the community. Many students decided that they wanted to do something for the children that lived in the local orphanage. We made plans and went to work. Some students solicited donations from others in their neighborhoods. Some students enlisted others not in our classes to help. People baked cakes, cookies, sweet rolls, and cupcakes. Others took the donations we had collected and purchased a small toy for each child. A local grocer donated oranges, apples, pears, and a variety of nuts and chocolate candies for the children. A few days before Christmas, we descended on the orphanage with our gifts.
In a large room adjacent to the children’s large play room, we set up tables, laid out the goodies, and placed the presents under their Christmas tree. The children were ushered into their playroom and we came out and played with them. We played games, read to them, and engaged in the happy mayhem that only children can create. At the appointed time, we announced that we had a surprise for them. We escorted the children into the room that we had prepared for them, and you could have heard a pin drop. Many stood there with their mouths agape. After the children had time to overcome their initial shock of what lay before them, we handed out the gifts, the pastries, and the treats. I was assigned to hand out the fruit.
After I finished, I stood watching the children when I felt a tug on my coat. Standing in front of me was a sweet, little girl with the biggest brown eyes. As I bent down, she pulled my face almost into hers and then held out in her small hand her very large navel orange.
She asked, “Is this really for me?”
“Yes,” I replied.
“And it is all mine?” she asked.
“Yes,” I answered.
“And I can eat the whole thing, all by myself?”
“Yes, it is for you, and only you.”
She said nothing for a moment as she buried her face in my pant leg. Then she looked up and smiling said, “Thank you.”Then in an instant, she hurried off and was lost from my view in the throng of children.
This experience still burns brightly as one of my favorite holiday memories: when a little girl so gratefully and graciously received the gift of one orange. I was overwhelmed by the gratitude of this small child for the gift of a simple piece of fruit rather than the food and other gifts that she received. There must have been something magical for her in a gift that was meant only for her and that she could savor and enjoy.
Do we so fully receive the gifts we are given? Think of the simple gifts that are offered to us each day: a helping hand, a shining smile from a stranger, a gentle word, a commitment kept, a healthy body, a warm meal, a laugh from a child, a paycheck, a warm coat, a supportive friend, a sincere compliment, a long-forgotten memory, and a wink or a nod. If we continued to count, the gifts would be endless.
I hope during this holiday season you will see and receive the many gifts that are given to you. For it is in the receiving of what is offered that we come to recognize the sacrifice of what is given and are made glad at its reception.
Best wishes for a happy holiday.
