Last weekend I decided to finish up my shopping.  Just some small things from a few shops around town.  

 

I noticed that twenty dollars doesn't go very far.  I noticed that I would need to spend a few extra minutes trying to peel that made in China sticker off.  But, what struck me the most was nothing I had picked up and put into my shopping basket really said what I wanted to express.

 

All I wanted was to show these people that they matter to me.  I care about them and want to thank them for making my life better.

 

Long story short or is it already too late to say that?  I put everything back on the shelves and came home. 

 

I sat down at my art table and made card sets with each of those special people in mind.  It took hours but I finished six cards for each person.  Bundled them together with twine and hand wrote a message.

     

      THESE CARDS WERE PAINTED ESPECIALLY FOR (insert their name)

       By g. w. Hargis

 

I gave them out this morning at work.  I got the biggest hugs I've ever had.  Not one person said, "oh, you shouldn't have."  Instead, I heard, "These are beautiful.  That's my favorite color."

 

Those presents were received the way I intended with happiness and the understanding that even though I could have bought a fancy candle or a bottle of wine, I chose to use my God given talent to show them I care.

 

I'm not knocking those who buy their gifts from stores.  Not in the least.  I'm just saying that for me, this year, at least, I wanted to give a little bit of myself.

 

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas.