December Presents

There are times when you are asked to do something – maybe forced – that turns out a little differently than expected. 12 years ago, this weekend, I had just such an occurrence. It has stuck with me through the years, and I always revisit this memory during the Christmas season.

On December 16, 2007, I went to church. I was looking forward to the Mass and being able to sit and listen to the service. A friend had a slightly different idea. Suzie worked for the parish. As the head of Liturgical Ministries, she often sought out ways for the parishioners to hear about God’s work in our lives today and for the people sitting there in those pews. She wanted people to know that God was not dead.

As I sat alone in the pew, she approached me and had one of those looks on her face that instantly told you she had a favor to ask. I was not wrong. During the season of Advent (and as we prepared to give gifts at Christmas), Suzie wanted people to share that greatest gift that God had given them. Prior to each Mass, she had a young person, dressed as Mary, say a few words about God’s gifts to the world and then ask who would like to share a gift they had received. Suzie knew the audience and knew that she should have some people set up to share – just in case. So, there she stood next to me while I tried to act as if I was still in prayer. She stood. I knew there was no getting out of the favor, so I let her explain and agreed.

She told me that two other people had also agreed and that if no one offered, “Mary” knew to go to us. She was to go to the others first and then me. She told me that I didn’t have to give a speech – just a simple sentence was all that I needed and then I could sit down – IF I was even needed.

The time came for Mass and Mary took the altar. She gave a wonderful explanation of God’s gifts. She then stepped down off the altar and looked around at all the attendees and asked, “Is there anyone here who would like to share about a special gift that they have received?”

Every parishioner’s eyes looked down as if all of a sudden something happened that demanded shoes be inspected. Mary looked to gift receiver 1 and 2 who appeared to have forgotten that they were going to share. One was close enough to me and said, “You go and then I’ll do it.” I guess it is easier after one person speaks.

Poor Mary started to look lost. I raised my hand only high enough for her to see the movement. A sense of relief washed over her as she started to me with mic in hand. I stood. In my mind, I was going over the 14 words that I had planned to say. Speaking in church was not new to me. I have shared my testimony a number of times. However, on that day…on that day, I just wanted to say 14 words and sit. God had other ideas.

As I took the mic, the 14 words left my head. The words just came out and I let them go. I still remember the words.

If I had been asked this question a few months ago, last week, or even two days ago, I would have said that God bringing my wife, Nancy, into my life was the greatest gift I had ever received. I made it to 40 without having found a person with whom to share my life and love. God’s plan was to make me wait for the greatest person I could have ever found. However, two days ago God gave us both a new present. He gave us the joy of a little girl. Two days ago, we were blessed with the present of our daughter, Audrey. So for that gift, I am forever thankful.

I handed the mic back to Mary. She looked for someone else, but no one volunteered. After Mass, a friend looked at me and asked, “How was anyone supposed to follow that?”

It has been twelve years and if asked that question today, I would have the same answer. Every year, during this season of giving, I am reminded of the two greatest gifts I have ever been given – the joy of sharing my life with my wife and the honor of caring for our daughter. No other gifts I have or will receive will ever outdo these two.