CREATIVE THINKING: The blessing of unwrapped gifts
Shopping malls were packed as crowds pushed and shoved to purchase gifts. Traffic was so congested at a mall we visited just before Christmas that we were completely stopped in the parking lot for quite a while.
As we sat there trapped in our car, it was almost surreal how materialistic Christmas has become.
By now, the gifts have been opened leaving mounds of wadded-up tissue and crinkled wrapping paper everywhere. Pieces of ribbon and crumpled bows have been tossed away in the trash. Cardboard boxes of all shapes and sizes patiently wait to be hauled away. They have served their purpose; what they kept hidden inside is what mattered.
The older I get, the more I realize our biggest gifts aren't wrapped in shiny paper or topped with fluffy, colorful bows. No name tag is attached, no tape is involved, and no shipping address is needed.
Our true gifts are given on a daily basis and, more times than not, are taken for granted. Every one of us certainly likes to receive beautifully wrapped gifts, but we need to recognize that those kinds of presents aren't the only ones we receive.
Many of our "unwrapped" gifts can't be bought or sold -- they are priceless!
Our health is one of our greatest unwrapped presents. As long as our health is good, we tend to forget about how important this gift really is.
We don't give a vehicle that is running smoothly a second thought. We assume every time we get in and turn the starter that our car will take us anywhere we wish to go. When it doesn't, we are inconvenienced and annoyed.
Our bodies are the same way. Sometimes it takes something drastic before we realize the importance of the gift of health.
I was given the gift of amazing parents and I'm grateful for them every single day. They were so full of love and taught me respect and integrity. I was encouraged on so many levels that I owe who I am today to them. Even though both of them passed away years ago, their lives have left a lasting impression on mine.
Just the other day, I bumped into a childhood friend I rarely see. We were both thrilled that we had this unplanned visit. In the course of our short conversation, we reminisced about many things and, as one story led to another, we soon were in the midst of our childhood memories.
The conversation shifted to my mother, who I've had on my mind during this holiday season. As most of you know, I talk and write about her every chance I get. Mother meant the world to me and there's not a day that goes by that I don't miss her.
As we discussed Mother, my friend said, "I loved your mother! She is one of my 10 all-time favorite people!"
I beamed with pride because she is certainly one of mine as well.
"I'm serious! She influenced my life in so many ways. I'll never forget her," my friend said.
As I walked away, I thought about what a gift Mother was. Even people who weren't her children still remember her kindness and spirit. Mother died 21 years ago and she is still being talked about in a positive way.
We all want to make a difference and Mother most certainly did.
Friends -- also known as the family members we choose -- are valuable gifts in our lives as well. Although we never have to un-wrap their gifts of friendship, they also are sometimes taken for granted. A good friend is by your side through thick and thin, on sunny days and on those that aren't so bright. They celebrate our victories and offer comfort in our misfortunes.
So many of my friends have made imprints on my life and don't even know it.
These are just a few of the many gifts I have that money can't buy. My list of unwrapped gifts is much too long to mention each one -- and I'm sure yours is as well.
It's perfectly fine that everyone is excited as we open presents, but we all need to be mindful of our treasures that can never be placed under a tree.
When I returned home after bumping into my friend, I noticed a pristine white feather directly in my path. Every time I see a feather, I think of Mother. But this time, I smiled a little more.
Instead of feeling sad that she's no longer with me, I took a moment to celebrate her life and how she used it. The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to examine the un-wrapped gifts we receive every day and remember that they are the ones that really matter.
Mark Ballard's column runs each week in The Telegraph. Send your questions or comments to P.O. Box 4232, Macon, GA 31208; call 478-757-6877; email markballard@cox.net; follow him at instagram.com/markcreates; or become a subscriber to Mark's Facebook page.
This story was originally published December 26, 2015 at 6:04 PM with the headline "CREATIVE THINKING: The blessing of unwrapped gifts ."