Gift

By Pastor Paul Gauche

Today’s Word: ‘Gift‘ as in… we thrive as spirited people by affirming that we are inspired, animated, and enthused by the Source of all life and that every breath is a gift.

Snow. Lots of snow. Tons of snow measured in days, waves, inches, and gratitude. The storm, while possibly overhyped, still dropped enough snow to clear a path and create a gift. My friend, Kevin, was busy tending to the snow in his driveway. The 12-to-15 inches of snow was piling up on either side of his driveway, making it seem more like a tunnel than an on-ramp to the street. With the driveway finally cleared, Kevin decided to walk his snow blower up the street to clear one of the neighbor’s driveways and shovel a path to the front door.

Over the roar of the snow blower’s engine, Kevin thought he heard someone calling his name. Looking up, he saw the neighbor standing at the partially opened front door.

“Thank you for doing that for me, Kevin!” the neighbor said.

“I’m happy to do this for you! It’s a great workout!” Kevin replied.

“I owe you!” the neighbor said. “I’ll figure out a way to get even.”

Almost instinctively, Kevin said, “We’re always even. We’re in this together. There’s nothing to repay. So you go back in there and keep warm! I’ll be done in a minute.”

The neighbor smiled at Kevin and said, “Thank you so much!”

It was a gift that Kevin gave his neighbor without even really thinking about it. It wasn’t premeditated, strategized, purchased, wrapped, or even delivered so much as it was just done. It was a gift. No strings attached. As a response, the neighbor gave Kevin the gift of gratitude and the desire to express some kindness in return.

What happens as a result of every breath we receive is a gift.

Some questions:

++ Describe a unique gift you’ve given or received.

++ If you had only three minutes before leaving home, what would you take? Why?

++ How does an appreciation of each breath you receive help you thrive?

#100days50words

Paul Gauche is the Pastor of Life Transitions at Prince of Peace. His posts are part of his #100days50words project, where he blogs about a different word each week. You can follow his project on Instagram (@pgauche) or his blog, Thriving Rhythms.