The Gift, Given or Received

Imagine this—Allow me to present this situation to you,

something most everyone to whom I am now speaking

can more than likely relate:

You have either given or received a gift for a birthday,

an anniversary, a graduation or a wedding, let’s say

for a special occasion.

A gift, mind you, to or from a friend, relative or acquaintance,

perhaps even given or received anonymously.

You have wrapped or unwrapped this gift, either have had it

handed to you or given by you personally, mailed, delivered

or transmitted in one way or another.

Where is this going, you ask? Not out loud of course, but

thoughtfully, because I am speaking to you hypothetically.

I am not personally in your presence, but removed, presenting

this instance from some distance away.

I am speaking of a gift here, a special gift given or received,

wrapped or unwrapped by, from either you or another today.

What a thrill, a delight, a surprise! Something special you

have either given or which someone has given to you.

Even a kind word which cost nothing to say can make a big

difference to you or someone else today.

Consider that poor child who is lost, neglected or abused,

the one growing up in poverty or adversity, that African child,

that Asian child, that European or American child, that world

wide, needy child, that forgotten child who has never

experienced the gift of giving or receiving.

All the rest of us, the more fortunate ones, from an early age

have been taught to say, please and thank you.

Some have never been given or received that most cherished

human opportunity.

It’s not all that complicated, my friend, as we sometimes tend to

make it out to be.

Wrap or unwrap that package today.

Oh, the blessing and the joy in having given and received.

                                   -30-

Chris Hanch 5-7-2020