Sixth Gift Of Advent: The Giver

It is not by possessing we live, but by life we possess. ~George MacDonald

The Giver asks, “What do you want?”

Check your list–what have you scribbled there? A relationship mended, a kindness extended, money to pay the bills when they come? Respect, recognition, relief from your toil? Maybe to know even one person cares.

Maybe you lost what you once had, and you grieve it, or have waited enough for what may never be.

Perhaps you want others to stop their complaining and ruining the fun you’ve worked hard to enjoy.

The Giver asks, “Why do you want?”

What hole would it fill, what’s really missing? How is the ground more wobbly from the lack? Maybe your identity would come into focus, maybe your courage would be restored. It could be the sameness–you long for a change; it could be the sadness–you long for delight.

Just at dusk, when the lights are turned on in homes and in storefronts, and you see someone baking, or laughing, or arms are loaded with presents–what is the longing that stirs within you? Why does it send you on this annual search?

The Giver asks, “What are you meant for?”

What am I meant for? I forget the answer. I’m lost in my whats, and building a case for my whys.

The Giver responds kindly, “Then I will remind you. There’s one reason for living, two things required: To love me, the Giver, and be my gift to the world.”

The Giver

To give a thing and take again
Is counted meanness among men;
To take away what once is given
Cannot then be the way of heaven!

But human hearts are crumbly stuff,
And never, never love enough,
Therefore God takes and, with a smile,
Puts our best things away a while.

Thereon some weep, some rave, some scorn,
Some wish they never had been born;
Some humble grow at last and still,
And then God gives them what they will.

~George MacDonald (1824-1905)

Do you feel the tension between your wanting and meant-for?