Love Stories

Gifts Money Can’t Buy

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and we’re once again seeing advertisements for jewelry, flowers and chocolates everywhere.

As I pondered what to do for Jim this year, I thought of the usual, Starbuck’s gift card, or something musical, such as a CD, DVD or Blu-ray disc. He would appreciate any one of those things, but I realize there are better gifts I can give, the ones that money can’t buy. Those are a few of the things I wanted to talk about this month.

The gift of encouragement is one that is easy to give and yet we don’t give it nearly as often as we should. Sometimes we hesitate because we think the other person is strong enough and doesn’t really need encouragement from us. Other times, we fail to give it because we’re caught up in our own issues and simply miss the opportunity. Satan knows our weaknesses and will do his best to multiply any discouragement in our lives. Therefore, we all need encouragement on a regular basis.

Communication is a gift that is sorely lacking in so many relationships today. Oh, we do a lot of talking, but the listening part, that’s more rare, and is definitely a skill we need to exercise more often. If only we would all listen the way we want to be heard!

Another gift money can’t buy is acceptance. I would dare to say that at one time or another, we’ve all felt the sting of being a wall flower. You know the feeling, it’s the one that tells us we don’t belong or that the people around us are unaccepting of us. It hurts, doesn’t it? Sometimes, we’re so busy trying to help our loved ones improve something in their lives, we unknowingly make them feel like a wall flower, giving them the sense that we don’t love and accept them, just as they are. In our attempt to help, we once again miss the opportunity to show love.

As I’ve thought on this subject, I’ve realized it’s on my worst of days that I need Jim’s, love, acceptance, listening ear and encouragement the most. So today, I’m challenged to give the gifts that money can’t buy and love those around me in a way that says “I’m here for you, to encourage you on your dark days. I will communicate and listen because I want to hear your heart. I love you and accept you just as you are!”

Whatever you have planned for this upcoming holiday, I hope a few non-material gifts are included!

Melissa Brady
http://www.jimandmelissabrady.com