12-23-23

The perfect gift. Hannah and I were just recently married. We had gone to see my brother in Brooklyn, NY to spend the holidays with him and his family. When we got there, we immediately went shopping for gifts for the girls we loved. I remember walking through the mall and searching for that perfect gift. I went to JC Penny's, Macy's, Ross, and finally landed in Old Navy.

While searching for a gift I came across a winter vest that I thought would be the perfect color, fabric, warmth, and gift for my wife. Thrilled with the purchase, I hid the gift from the prying eyes of my wife until I could get the gift wrapped. I remember how excited I was for her to open the gift. I just knew that she would love it!

Alas, Christmas Day came and as we were opening the gifts, I was excited to see Hannah open the gift I got her, the perfect gift. Her facial expression told the story of her . . . disappointment! Of all the gifts I could have gotten my dear wife, I chose a gift that she didn't like nor desired to use. She is constantly cold and a winter vest was not a good choice.

I searched for the perfect gift and came extremely short. Did you know that God has the perfect gift for you this holiday season? Furthermore, did you know that this fit has the potential to really make a difference not only in your life but in the lives of all those that surround you? What is that gift? What could possibly be that significant? Your life!

This Christmas, God has given you your life. To Live. To make and impact. To make a difference in the lives of those that surround you. It's easy to forget that gift from God, but as it was so eloquently stated in the movie, It's a Wonder full Life, "Each man's life touches so many other lives!" May you, this holiday season, touch the lives of those that surround you.

Merry Christmas! So, until the next time, this is Pastor Tello reminding you that thoughts do change lives!

 

Pastor Howard Tello