What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? Maybe it was from a family member, a friend, or even your significant other. It could have been anything—jewelry, a book, a gift card… The point is: when you think back on that time, do you remember the gift itself, or do you remember who gave it to you?
Maybe it’s because I’m getting older (I’m not yet sure if that’s a good thing or not), but I’ve started thinking more and more about what it means to give—and receive—gifts in our lives.
And here’s something you should know: You are the gift.
I don’t mean to suggest that the act of giving isn’t important. But sometimes we forget that what really impacts our lives is being present with those around us. When we’re present with someone else and allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we give them something that can’t be bought in any store—the opportunity to feel genuinely heard and understood by another human being.
As a child, I remember putting together my Christmas list. I was excited about Santa coming and leaving my two-story Barbie Dream House under the tree. I played with that doll house about two or three times after Christmas day and then promptly forgot about it. When we are children, we don’t think about the sacrifices and stresses that come with gift-giving. My parents worked hard contributing to that Christmas savings account to buy those gifts. I didn’t have a job or money at 6 years-old, but my parents didn’t expect a present from me because I was the gift.
It took me about forty years to realize it, but my presence is the present.
Once I figured out what my love language was, I began valuing quality time and acts of service more than receiving gifts. When someone shows up for me, it means the world to me. Losing my husband in 2019 taught me that time is our most prized possession, and it is the one thing we cannot buy or get back. Life is short, and I want to enjoy as much time as possible with the ones I love.
I decided to teach my son this early. He’s 7 and, of course, he will get most of the gifts on his wish list, but he will also appreciate the gift of presence. There are so many beautiful memories that we shared with his dad, and he misses him dearly. I do not doubt that the time spent over those four short years was the best gift he received. Even though I am grieving, I show up for my son every day. That is the gift of a mother’s love.
When I think about the qualities I possess and share with others, especially my son, it allows me to see that I AM the GIFT.
Graceful—I have dealt with life’s trials with ease and confidence. My grace allows me to be transparent and to help others along the way.
Inspiring—If I can inspire one person to keep going, my pain has turned into purpose. When someone is motivated, they can become a gift to someone else.
Faithful—During my most difficult times, I learned to trust God and remain faithful. With my faithfulness comes obedience. I’ve become a servant leader.
Thankful—Scripture teaches us to “give thanks in every circumstance.” I am grateful for the opportunity to be present, and I don’t take anything for granted.
We all have different talents and God-given gifts to share with others. So, what do you give someone who has everything? The answer is simple: YOU.
What is your God-given Gift, and how will you share it this holiday season?
Thank you for these encouraging words and gentle reminder
Yes! I love the article. I listen to your podcast often. Listening to your podcast has been inspirational for me as I travel this new journey of widowed mom of 2. More than you will ever know.
I try so hard to be present when I’m with someone. I appreciate when others have “made a space” for me. I am grateful for time to just be…
I, too, realize that I AM the gift and my children are My gifts.
If/when I stay still, I can feel the gifts that have been afforded me, from myself, others and God…
You’re welcome! Thank you for reading. Wishing you a restful holiday season.
You’re welcome. I wish you a wonderful holiday.
I enjoyed this article as it made me think about my talent. I am going to be empathetic this holiday season. In particular with myself and show myself grace this holiday season and remove the cape.
Thank you Ashley. Yes grace is the most beautiful gift.
Wow!!! Powerful. I just gave gift money to two of my bosses and I feel like time and lack of preparedness didn’t allow me to give them something nicer, which is just letting them know how much I appreciate them. You are so right that just being present is a gift. I think what I provide others is listening skills and just survival skills as well so that they can feel motivated to overcome any hurdles they may face. I thank you for this article because I really believe we needed to read this as women. We always want to tie in some type of material aspect to giving but we do so much and just our actions and this article makes it even more simple than that, it’s also about being present and our ability to be there for others.
Yes Raiza, we are the gift. Everything else is extra!
You are so inspiring. Listening to someone, truly listening is a very precious gift, one which I try to let others know I am present to give to them any time they are in need. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much Brenda. So many people just “hear” but aren’t listening.
I absolutely love this article, it was for filling and kept me interested until the end. Often times we forget that our presence is the present!
Thank you so much for reading Lanetta!
Great article and a reminder that it’s not all about the gifts rather Christmas, wedding or birthday, just be present 😊
Thank you Lauretta!
I will pray more and think of other’s . Not just my family or myself other’s people that are in my life and in path.
Thank you Ameila. Prayers are powerful.
Tis the season for gift giving. Thank you for reminding readers that we are the gift!
Thank you for reading!
That was beautiful! Giving yourself means so much. Thank you for the inspiration.
Thank you so much Jackie.
Love this vital reminder. Thank you. May we all keep blessing each other with the gifts we bring!
You’re welcome! Yes! Let’s keep blessing.
This article really touched my heart. Each passing year brings the loss of dear friends or relatives leaving me to cherish the wonderful memories that are left behind. We all need to understand what gratitude and thanksgiving really mean. It’s not about the presents but the person who loved you most. My parents and my husband are both gone, but their sacrifices to make me happy can never be forgotten. I’m so glad that you’re teaching your son to value the people God has placed in your lives. Some people will be with us for a season and some are strangers who through an act of kindness touch our lives for a few seconds. What a difference these people make in our lives. We must thank God for his goodness to us. All blessings are not monetary!
Yes, Gaienne. This is the true meaning of the holidays. Thank you.
Dr. Alisha, thank you for this timely and much appreciated reminder. May we receive with gladness and appreciation the value of the gift of others and their presence in our lives, just as we want them to value our presence. Wishing you, your son and your family the gifts of joy, love, peace, and the presents/presence of each other this holiday season.
Thank you so much Cynthia. I will you a wonderful holiday season as well.
Not to be a Debbie Downer but this has been the worst Christmas I’ve experienced in my entire life. So much has happened to me in the last two months, I just try to keep my sanity every day to make it to the next one.
Donna, I’m sorry to read that. I pray that you receive comfort and peace in knowing that things will get better. You will have peace.
So true. I pray many will comprehend this message and take action. Show up and be present for those we love.
Thank you, Debra. The message is out there to be received and we pray that it reaches those who need it most. Happy Holidays to you!
I’ve read this piece and it had me thinking that this is true for me as well. I’m at a place where I think that I have not added to anyone’s life or my own and realized after reading your article that I have given folks a gift my wisdom, my love, support, encouragement, prayers, financial support etc. but the point I put others before myself in the circle of love and that is a gift no material item can compare. Thank you for sharing. Happy Holidays!
Thank you for you sharing your ❤️❤️❤️
My God-given gift is so inspiring that I lose myself reading about others’ accomplishments. My desire to do what you’re doing (write) has yet to be fulfilled; however, I find joy in reading the stories of others.
I am so inspired by your words! Thank you for sharing. You are a GIFT indeed. I am compelled to think of my presence in a different light, remembering that I, just as I am, a “present.” I have given and will continue to give of my “talents,” things that I never truly realized were treasures. This post is insightful and a blessing!
This was the perfect article at this time of year. It is not the gift I am looking for it is the presence I love. The gift if any has always simply been icing on the cake. I look forward to the laughter their smiles and their hugs. I truly hate to see the time when they all leave to return to their own homes.