Tuesday, April 13, 2010

The gift was actually in the giving

This chair was my birthday present last year. I told my husband that I would like something to lounge in while on our patio. I should have asked for a babysitter to accompany this gift, because that is the only way any lounging is going to be happening on this chair. But as it turns out, the chair is often occupied by persons other than me. They have claimed it, stolen it you might say. And yet it honestly doesn't bother me because they absolutely love sitting in it, and as their mother that makes me happy.

Why do we as children love the "stuff" of our parents? I remember thinking the same way as a child. My mom's bed was always more comfortable than mine, her brush was better at getting out the tangles than mine was, and her socks were definitely more comfortable than mine. That feeling never goes away either. Just last week while I was back visiting my childhood home, I borrowed my mom's socks and said I would give them back to her. I smiled as I unpacked my suitcase and they fell out of the stack of dirty clothes. I think deep down I knew she was never going to see those socks again, and more than likely, she knew it too. And just like when I smile at Ella and Caroline as they monopolize my chair, I bet my mom smiles at me as I walk out of her house with her socks on.

I think such things make us happy because we have been made in the image of our Father. We have been created like Him, and He has given us a new heart, a heart like His. So just as He smiles at the site of His children enjoying His gifts that He has given, so do we smile...just as we should. And as it turns out, my birthday present was not receiving the lounger after all, but rather that I could joyfully give it to my girls instead....a greater gift indeed.

Linking up with Emily today to unwrap this gift.


Amy

13 comments:

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

What a lovely post, Amy! I think it's because we love our parents so much and these things that they've touched, and used, make us feel like we are even closer with them. I remember doing these things when I was a kid, too, and when my kids were little, them laying in our bed under the covers and saying "your bed is always so comfortable".

sara said...

You have the most insightful posts, Amy - I always look forward to reading your blog! Love that chaise - we actually have the loveseat and two chairs from that same line! Now I'm going to have to go hunt and find that chaise...

Unknown said...

Great post! As children...they admire us and want to do what we do, because they respect us. As a parent our every move is critical and our choices are seen by them so we must think first before we act.

LOVE THE CHAIR AND THE IDEA OF A SITTER :)

ntignor said...

You are funny, but very truthful. I did know that I would never see those socks - AGAIN! But AGAIN, I did not care. Our God is happy to do for us, just like Mothers are happy to do for their children. Love you Amy!!

Unknown said...

this is so sweet. I, at this very moment, am wearing a sweatshirt that I have "borrowed" from my mother. And, until you posted this, I honestly didn't ever think about it. Insightful!Thanks for sharing.

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

So lovely Amy! I feel like I just got a hug;)!

Enjoy!
Cathy

Anonymous said...

hey amy! what a wonderful post! very sweet and very true! come visit! i have a little award for you!

Jill said...

Such a sweet post.

Katie said...

Beautifully written!

Anonymous said...

hello!! i am so happy to have met you too! ;)

love this post! love this reminder ... just a sweet, sweet reminder of how precious our parents things were to us when we were young ... i totally remember that feeling! and to give some grace to my own girls when i find my things amongst their own treasures! ;)

i'll be back ... :)

Amber said...

i love this! i always thought my parent's bed was so comfy and loved to cuddle up in it!

CharityVL said...

This was so sweet. I love how you tied seeing your children like your belongings into how God must be pleased when He sees us enjoying His gifts. What a great thought!

Southern Gal said...

The gift of giving. Moms exhibit that gift so well. So sweet.

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