The Greatest Gift of All

I don't know if you've ever experienced a beautiful gift out of the midst of loss and great pain, but know that it can happen. 

This past four months I had the privilege of walking someone very dear to my heart into her eternal home. That meant we went through Christmas not knowing if she would live or die.

Because of this there was no focus on gifts, parties, or being merry.

Just the simple giving of love and comfort to one who was dying.

Putting aside everything else except holding of hands, the wiping of Eileen's brow, and sitting silently by her side, it created the most beautiful, intimate time that will live forever in my heart.

I loved that this past Christmas as there was zero commercialism.

Just the hearts of those who cared, supplied meals, and helped to ease the burden of care.

Instead of focusing on death and the hardships that come with someone in the throws of passing away, I chose to focus on the meaning of life, and a life well lived.

In Eileen's awake moments we were still able to laugh and have conversation, tell stories, and help with her physical care.

Was it all beautiful?

No.

But that's part of what made it memorable.

It wasn't just a fairytale.

It was real.

It was also incredibly hard, especially near the end.

I changed for the better in the midst of it.

Instead of getting irritated, I learned to choose patience.

Instead of complaining about sleepless nights, I understood and loved anyways, grabbing that extra cup of coffee needed to make it through the next day.

I learned to love when it was hard to love.

And that for me was the greatest gift anyone could have ever given me.

And you know what?...

It's strange, but I don't feel like I missed out on Christmas because Christmas came to life in my heart in a much deeper and profound way then all the surface trappings of commercialism..

So, next time you're in a hard spot, purpose to give. Take the focus off of your tough situation and go love on someone.

Offer them the free gift of you.

All of us can offer a gift of gentle touch, a warm understanding smile, even some simple words of comfort or of practical helps.

It is then and only then that you too will experience the greatest gift that your heart can ever hold.