Robbed Of A Blessing
A short and simple Christmas message.51 total reviews
Comment from unidian
It is true that there is immeasurably more pleasure in giving than receiving. The joy you feel as children unwrap presents or knowing that you've got something 'just perfect' for a loved one. When the anticipation is crushed, it can make the heart sink, as it did yours. As you said in your notes ... he's only human and to err is human. Thanks for sharing, Jan. Tom x
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2008
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It is true that there is immeasurably more pleasure in giving than receiving. The joy you feel as children unwrap presents or knowing that you've got something 'just perfect' for a loved one. When the anticipation is crushed, it can make the heart sink, as it did yours. As you said in your notes ... he's only human and to err is human. Thanks for sharing, Jan. Tom x
Comment Written 16-Dec-2008
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2008
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Thank you so much, Tom.
Hugs,
Jan
Comment from Charles Keith
Hi Jan,
I though OH not another Christmas thing, but I persevered and was rewarded. You brought a lump to my non-devout throat.
I was reminded of the wonderful times inIndia and I saw this kind of thing every day. In their culture it is far more important to give to a visitor than to be able to afford it. They feel enriched by doing this.
I was reminded of what a generous side their culture has and it made me feel unworthy so many times.
Great piece of writing.
Keith
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2008
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Hi Jan,
I though OH not another Christmas thing, but I persevered and was rewarded. You brought a lump to my non-devout throat.
I was reminded of the wonderful times inIndia and I saw this kind of thing every day. In their culture it is far more important to give to a visitor than to be able to afford it. They feel enriched by doing this.
I was reminded of what a generous side their culture has and it made me feel unworthy so many times.
Great piece of writing.
Keith
Comment Written 16-Dec-2008
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2008
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Thank you so much, Keith. :-) I am so glad you perservered and enjoyed it after all. You made my day.
Jan
Comment from aviddbrut
jani, this is very excellent. well written and full of truth and emotion. your story should be read by many, because most of us have never been taught how to be gracious receivers. too bad your pastor couldn't see the blessing for both you and him in your generous act. perhaps your essay gets to the true heart of what Christmas is all about...unconditional love, with no strings attached...and all we have to do is accept it.
thanks for sharing this with us all.
david
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2008
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jani, this is very excellent. well written and full of truth and emotion. your story should be read by many, because most of us have never been taught how to be gracious receivers. too bad your pastor couldn't see the blessing for both you and him in your generous act. perhaps your essay gets to the true heart of what Christmas is all about...unconditional love, with no strings attached...and all we have to do is accept it.
thanks for sharing this with us all.
david
Comment Written 16-Dec-2008
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2008
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Thank you so much, David. I am so glad you enjoyed this.
Jan
Comment from CALLAHANMR
Hi Janilou:)
It seems to me that the cashier was also at fault, because the woman clearly did not wish for the pastor to know who was giving the gift.
Once the pastor knew, he should graciously accept the gift. If possible he might then reciprocate in some way. It is an insult to refuse a gift given in good faith.
Thank you for sharing this story. It is a valuable lesson in gratitude and may help others faced with similar circumstances.
Roger
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2008
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Hi Janilou:)
It seems to me that the cashier was also at fault, because the woman clearly did not wish for the pastor to know who was giving the gift.
Once the pastor knew, he should graciously accept the gift. If possible he might then reciprocate in some way. It is an insult to refuse a gift given in good faith.
Thank you for sharing this story. It is a valuable lesson in gratitude and may help others faced with similar circumstances.
Roger
Comment Written 15-Dec-2008
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2008
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Thank you so much. Yes, I did wish the cashier had refused to tell him who had done this. I really appreciate the review.
Hugs,
Jan
Comment from NadineM
Janilou,
Your story made me cry! I can relate to the hurt and disappointment you felt. I have had similar gestures of love and appreciation rejected, and boy it hurts! Wow... this really brings back memories....
You're right about something... the pastor you tried to reach out to is/was human, and although he thought he was saving you from a financial burden, he didn't consider the meaning of your gift... how much it meant to you.
I bet this still brings a tear or two as you think back...God bless you.
Thank-you for teaching us all a lesson in being gracious.
I enjoyed your story.It was heartfelt and touched me.... Now, if I can get these tears to stop before they turn to icicles (it's freezing cold here!)...
Merry Christmas!
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2008
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Janilou,
Your story made me cry! I can relate to the hurt and disappointment you felt. I have had similar gestures of love and appreciation rejected, and boy it hurts! Wow... this really brings back memories....
You're right about something... the pastor you tried to reach out to is/was human, and although he thought he was saving you from a financial burden, he didn't consider the meaning of your gift... how much it meant to you.
I bet this still brings a tear or two as you think back...God bless you.
Thank-you for teaching us all a lesson in being gracious.
I enjoyed your story.It was heartfelt and touched me.... Now, if I can get these tears to stop before they turn to icicles (it's freezing cold here!)...
Merry Christmas!
Comment Written 15-Dec-2008
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2008
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THank you so much. Yes, it does. It's really cold here, too. BRRRRRRR
Stay warm!
Hugs,
Jan
Comment from rama devi
Why would anyone give this a lower rating/ It is very well written without spag and conveys a beautiful and uplifting message with clarity and simplicity.
I love it.
One does not need to be a literary genius in every post, especially if a simple story can touch many a heart.
No nits.
Superb story and message.
Warm Regards,
rama devi
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2008
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Why would anyone give this a lower rating/ It is very well written without spag and conveys a beautiful and uplifting message with clarity and simplicity.
I love it.
One does not need to be a literary genius in every post, especially if a simple story can touch many a heart.
No nits.
Superb story and message.
Warm Regards,
rama devi
Comment Written 15-Dec-2008
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2008
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Thank you so much, rama devi. Bless your heart.
Hugs,
Jan
Comment from Max Edon
I enjoyed reading this story. The message was great! My only suggestion would be to include in the story itself the fact that you were that young mother, instead of in the author's notes.
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2008
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I enjoyed reading this story. The message was great! My only suggestion would be to include in the story itself the fact that you were that young mother, instead of in the author's notes.
Comment Written 15-Dec-2008
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2008
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Many thanks for the good review. I will have to think about that. :-)
Jan
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You are welcome!
Comment from Kym Jade
I totally agree with everything you said. Financially it would probably have cost more to pay for the dinner then a gift but the gift of the dinner was also a gift from the heart which should not have been returned like that.
Thank you for sharing.
Love and blessings
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2008
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I totally agree with everything you said. Financially it would probably have cost more to pay for the dinner then a gift but the gift of the dinner was also a gift from the heart which should not have been returned like that.
Thank you for sharing.
Love and blessings
Comment Written 15-Dec-2008
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2008
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Thank you so much. :-)
Hugs,
Jan
Comment from Nescher Pyscher
Did you tell him about it?
Because "If you are on your way to offer a sacrifice, and remember your brother has offended you, leave your sacrifice, and find your brother."
(Nescher Pyscher paraphrase, obviously.)
You're right. He was in the wrong there, but if you didn't tell him how much her hurt you, you're in the wrong as well, Jani.
Merry Christmas!
:0)
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2008
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Did you tell him about it?
Because "If you are on your way to offer a sacrifice, and remember your brother has offended you, leave your sacrifice, and find your brother."
(Nescher Pyscher paraphrase, obviously.)
You're right. He was in the wrong there, but if you didn't tell him how much her hurt you, you're in the wrong as well, Jani.
Merry Christmas!
:0)
Comment Written 15-Dec-2008
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2008
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I am always in the wrong, brother Nescher. I'll tell him.
That's the confirmation I was looking for tonight, after ten years.
Thanks for the great review.
Jani
Comment from Dave M
Janilou,
This is excellent advice. I certainly see how a single mother, living from paycheck to paycheck and tired all the time, would be devastated by what the pastor did. On the other hand, if you look across the Mississippi River at some other state's governor, you can see why a person in a responsible position might refuse money.
Despite your words of caution, this is excellent writing. As usual, your words are well chosen and on the money. I found a pair of small nits:
"Ten years ago, at Christmas time, a poor, single mother of four, (this comma should come out) tried to give her pastor a gift."
"God will bless their heart [hearts], many times over and above..."
Dave M
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2008
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Janilou,
This is excellent advice. I certainly see how a single mother, living from paycheck to paycheck and tired all the time, would be devastated by what the pastor did. On the other hand, if you look across the Mississippi River at some other state's governor, you can see why a person in a responsible position might refuse money.
Despite your words of caution, this is excellent writing. As usual, your words are well chosen and on the money. I found a pair of small nits:
"Ten years ago, at Christmas time, a poor, single mother of four, (this comma should come out) tried to give her pastor a gift."
"God will bless their heart [hearts], many times over and above..."
Dave M
Comment Written 15-Dec-2008
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2008
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Thank you so much, Dave. I changed those nits. You are a terrific reviewer.
Hugs,
Jan
