Fortune Cookie Friday: The Present

Did you get a hideous sweater for the holidays from your great-aunt? Did you celebrate a birthday and only receive a silly musical card? Moments like this happen in everyone’s life, and they should be cherished not rejected.

I have friends and family that give me things that I would never buy. I probably wouldn’t give them a second thought if I passed it in a store. For some reason, the loved ones in my life saw the item and thought of me. They didn’t do it out of malice, but to show that they care.

One year, I received a large plush turkey that danced to a silly musical tune. It was fun for three minutes, and then it was obnoxious. I am not exactly sure why my relative gave me this gift. I can only imagine that it was available at a store that they frequent and was in their price range.

It is entirely possible that my family member got a giggle from it and wanted to share that joy with me. They wanted to see a smile on my face for even a moment. It is much like when we hear a good joke and want to tell it to someone else. The look we share when we first get a gift is a special connection we make with people in our lives.

Gift giving is all about making connections. We do it for birthdays, holidays, well-wishing, and between nations. Whether it be a balloon, card, or statue, the gift shows that the giver cares enough about you and wants to continue a relationship. We should be gracious for the gifts that people give us, even if they are frivolous in nature.