Christmas 2009.  At 86 Mom didn’t need another sweater or knick-knack or box of candy.

She wanted something much more substantial and asked for a specific gift from each of her great-grandchildren.  She let it be known, through the parents and grandparents and to as many of these nine kids as she could corner.  It was to be delivered by Christmas, each delivering it in their own way, in their own time.  But no later than Christmas Day.

Mom had thought about the gift she was requesting throughout the fall.  She had planned it well.  She knew it was something of importance that she would treasure the rest of her life.  She also had another motive.

She told them at Thanksgiving, allowing plenty of time for each to work on the project.  Four weeks was long enough for them to create the little gift she so wanted.  They could easily be ready to deliver on time, if they just focused a little time on it.

Some delivered the gift before Christmas, typical of kids who can’t wait.  Others excitedly delivered it on Christmas, waiting nervously for her approval on that special day.

And as she received each gift, she placed it in the depths of her heart, the experience, the delivery and the knowledge that the gift she had requested would last a lifetime.  Not only her lifetime, but theirs also.  Because, you see, she asked them to give her something that was really meant for them.  Her motive was to give them a principle that would help them through the tough years ahead, of growing and becoming an adult.  She wanted to give them help in facing the challenges of life and coming out strong on the other side.

The gift she asked of them was to memorize and recite to her a Bible verse, John 14:6:  “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”  In asking for this gift, she gave back to them:  knowledge, inspiration and a sharing of her faith that will linger long in their hearts and minds far after she is gone.

Thank you, Mom, for being the example, for inspiring me to be more than I have been, to teach more important concepts and to create learning that lasts a lifetime.

©  Linda M. Farley  2010 www.LMFarley.com

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Email:  LMF@onr.com