http://www.care2.com/greenliving/gift-of-presence.html
Gift of Presence
When it’s over, I want to say: All my life
I was a bride married to amazement.
I was the bridegroom, taking the world into my arms.
–Mary Oliver
It’s easy to get so lost in the momentum of holiday activities and the seemingly endless to-do lists that we forget what the holidays are for. There is always more to do than there is time for, and probably never quite so acutely as during the holidays. Gift giving drives a lot of the frenzy and although we can point to all the cultural mania driving us to purchase our good holiday feelings, for many of us there is a legitimate desire to really give something that feels meaningful and is a true reflection of our love.
Every now and again we are fortunate enough to know of a particular thing that is truly desired…Better still when we have the exact make and model number…but short of those golden opportunities where the desire matches our ability to give, there is precious little that we can offer in the way of material goods that can communicate our deepest feelings. The power of advertising further complicates this by making us believe that certain gifts will speak volumes about our love- diamonds, flowers and fine chocolate are a few that come to mind.
While those are all nice gifts, I don’t know if I have ever gotten a more authentic sense of my partner’s love for me than when he has taken the time and gotten over the inconvenience factor to show up for me. Some years this has been in the small mundane tasks of trying to get gifts wrapped for our four kids late into the night. Other holidays, it was the nightly drawing a bath for me and reminding me to give myself the attention I so readily give away to others. A couple of romantic holidays ago, it was making a romantic bed by the fireplace. The best gifts have always been the moments of him giving himself. The gift of our presence is what we all want most: to know that we are not alone in the world.
related stories
-
(18 comments)
-
(9 comments)
-
wendy
(12 comments)
Robyn
Melissa
Deepak
Eric
Dave
Dr. Brent
Isha
Susan
Delia
Michelle
Wendy
Megan
Hilary
Ann
Judi
Ronnie
Kelly
Lily
Terri
Betsy
Cait
Andrew
Jana
Annie B.
Veronica
21 comments
add your comment »thank you!
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Absolutely! I'd rather have my husband's presence than presents!
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
That mushy kind of love does not exist for many. The holidays can and are a real downer for many. Not to mention the rest of the 300 something days of the year and, not having romance that some people have. Some holidays are about God thats what is important for believers.
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Great article!
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Great article!
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
The subject "Presence" seems to be lacking in the article and the comments. How sad.
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Love doesn't exist. Why disturb anyone with one's presence, talking, etc.?
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Nicely written, thank you :)
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Thank you!
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Very interesting...
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Facebook account: