PLYMOUTH – I have always struggled with giving gifts during the Christmas season. It’s not that I don’t want or love to give gifts, because I do. I get such great joy and satisfaction from the act of giving. My struggle is with focusing on a gift and making sure it reflects my love for the individual and it is something they will truly appreciate.
I learned years ago that buying gifts for Sabrina could turn into a mine field of catastrophic consequences if wrong steps were taken. I no longer buy her lingerie or underwear because what I like and what she will wear are not even close to the realm of reality. She loves jewelry and I love to see her enjoy it, but what she really wants and what my bank account can sustain don’t balance. Also, I never gift her with clothing. It never fits. If it is too small or too large, the resulting reactions are not good. Trust me! Don’t attempt this.
Of course, most of what I have said about gifts for the love of my life were in jest. I have lived with her long enough to know her and that which brings joy to her life, and I do my best to provide that. Gifts are more a matter of expressing and sharing love and appreciation than exchanging material objects.
During the past ten years that Sabrina and I have had the joy to do ministry here in this marvelous place called Michigan, we have been more than privileged and blessed to be gifted with so much. We have been gifted to work alongside some of the most precious people we have ever encountered.
Tony and Jamie Lynn were two jewels dropped into our hearts that will always adorn and sparkle within our lives and our memories for the rest of our years. Mike and Shar Durbin became forever friends as well and continue to be exemplary encouragers. These two couples comprised the heart of our ministry team.
The list of those with whom I worked side by side in those early days will forever be written on our hearts. Anne Glissman, Yolanda Chapa, and Nancy Spears were my first “angels at the East of Eden,” protecting and providing counsel and care. I would have been lost without them.
I will forever be thankful for Mick and Jackie Schatz for leaving the warmth of the South to live in the fridged North to take the reins of our retreat and conference center at Bambi Lake.
So many others have joined hands with us to help “punch holes in the darkness”, but if I tried to list them all I would surely omit someone. So please know that if you have not been named, you have been so loved and appreciated. The fact is you are our gifts. Gifts that will forever be treasured and loved. Gifts that came from your hearts and a heart for our Lord. Gifts that will not be forgotten when this “season” of life has passed, but will last for eternity.
This year Sabrina and I will receive many gifts, but none will ever surpass that which has been given to us by the sweet saints of Michigan.
THANK YOU FOR THE GIFT!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tim Patterson is Executive Director/Treasurer of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. Elected unanimously in May of 2015, Patterson formerly served for 9 years as pastor of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Fla. He also served as trustee chair and national mobilizer for the North American Mission Board.
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