Restaurants devise fabulous dinners for two. Hotels offer champagne getaways. Travel experts invite us to tropical destinations. Jewelry stores offer sparkle and dazzle. Floral shops overflow with plants and petals promising tears of joy. In the depths of another northern winter a tropical destination is tempting.
Looking back over a lifetime I realize the most romantic gift was something much closer to home.
Bright sunlight floods through the windows of my parents’ home. I look outside at the dazzling white snow and clear blue skies. My heart simply knows that the air outside is crisp, cold enough to take my breath away. I snuggle deeper into the couch and pull the afghan over my shoulders.
As day turns to evening, we gather in the living room. The kids, mere toddlers, struggle to bring me The Gift. “Daddy got dis specially fo you,” say the tiny voices filled with excitement.
The box fits comfortably on my lap and is wrapped in a way that tells me Daddy had help from little hands. “Open it!” insist the toddlers, unable to resist tearing away wrappings. We open the box together and inside is The Gift – one pair, size mommy.
For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her.
Ephesians 5:25 NLT
The next morning Daddy is up early. I look out the window as I pour my coffee. He is on the frozen lake below. “He’s probably ice fishing,” flitters across my mind. Later, I hear a ruckus in the garage, then water running in the laundry room. “What is that man doing with a garden hose?” I mumble to myself.
After lunch, with precious toddlers sweetly napping, Daddy pops his head inside. “I’m going to town to get something. Come with me?” he asks.
I volunteer Grandma and Grandpa to watch the sleeping grandbabies and put on my coat. The old fashioned hardware store has exactly what Daddy needs. He stacks his boxed treasures like books carried easily in one arm.
Back at the house, we all get bundled up, Grandma and Grandpa too. Daddy takes the tiny hand of our son, cradling the hardware store treasures in his other arm. I carry The Gift and take our daughter’s hand in mine. As we parade down the hill and onto the frozen lake it becomes clear.
Before us is an ice rink. Shoveled by hand. Sprayed smooth with water from a garden hose. Daddy unpacks his boxed treasures: two pair, double-runner skates, size toddler.
The Gift? One pair, ice skates, size mommy.
A perfect fit.
–R
you are loved…
you are unique…
you are treasured…
you are resilient…
you are amazing…