marrion8955@yahoo.com
When we were newly engaged and about to celebrate our first Christmas together, my husband and I wanted to be certain it was really memorable. I was excited because I love giving gifts and so I usually start my shopping in July. By Christmas, I have gifts all over the house, even some that I forget about until I find them later in the year! However, my dear man struggles a bit in that area and this, being our first Christmas together as we prepared for marriage, choosing this particular gift was very nerve wracking for him.
Being a search and destroy shopper, he couldn’t find what he wanted. He tried the malls with my daughter and me which for him was the ultimate torture. Then he remembered a conversation we had had while on a date sometime earlier where we discussed how we were building our relationship. We talked about what building blocks we were putting into it, what our foundation was, which parts were important, and how we were checking to make sure its “construction” was sturdy and strong.
Christmas morning came, and he arrived to open gifts with my teenage daughter and me. He carried in a load of presents—there were gifts for her, a couple for me, one for the dog and even one for her cat! We watched him open his gifts from us and enjoyed his pleasure as he exclaimed over each one.
Finally, we got ready to go out for the day to his parents and mine. The schedule looked busy with lots driving, family, and food. When I walked out, he complimented me on how nice I looked and prepared to help me with my coat. As he adjusted it over my shoulders he whispered in my ear, “I have something special for you when we get back.”
The day was really nice but it seemed a bit long as my curiosity began to get the better of me. Finally, we got home and the moment arrived. With a big smile, he pulled out a box from where he had hidden it by the fireplace and handed it to me. It was so heavy that I nearly dropped it from surprise! It was the size of a shoebox, and now I was really puzzled. What on earth could it be?
I opened the wrappings, and lifted the lid. There inside lay…a red brick! He sat down next to me and explained that he had searched the entire local brick pile to find the perfect one. The gift of the brick was to remind me of the marriage relationship that we were building. This brick represented the beginning of a long, secure and happy life together, and he wanted to build a life with me so he could always love and protect me. The brick still sits in our family room, and when I look at it, I smile and remember that first Christmas and building the love in our lives.
In the years that have followed, we have added many more bricks: Two grandchildren, a kitten, a 50th birthday (mine) and a death in the family. Each one is another is opportunity to build our relationship and cement it with our love.
Overall has been the gift of God’s mercy and grace. His Son, Jesus Christ, is the best Christmas gift of all.
Copyright 2007 by Desiree Pheister
