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The purpose of these email reflections is to stimulate the God-given longing we all have for that which is truly life-giving, and to encourage sacrificing the lesser, more immediate "satisfactions" for the greater, in all areas of life, so that one may Live and share that Life with others!
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Hello ,
Just a note to point out that I have added a way to access the archive of these emails - down there on the left.
Now, the question for some thought today: If you had to choose between the experiences you've had and the tangible gifts you have been given, which would you choose?
- Sheldon Swartz
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Buying Experiences for Gifts
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 "Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?" - Jesus, in Matthew 6:25
I stopped abruptly at a sentence in a book I'm reading by Susan Jeffers, Embracing Uncertainty. The sentence was, "We [she and her husband] decided that instead of buying each other things for birthdays or other holidays, we will buy each other experiences." She explained a bit, "This means activities that we can do together that enhance our enjoyment of life and our relationships." (p. 197)
Hmm . . . I think that struck me because I get tired of buying gifts for people who don't need anything (therefore the gift doesn't mean as much). Also, something just doesn't seem quite right about all the money that is spent on tangible things that will disintegrate in the end. And the present economy makes me think more about what is really important. How important, really, are things?
I understand that some things have significant meaning, like my wedding band. It's a thing, but it means a lot to me. "Lamie" means a lot to our grandson Jesse. (A cloth lamb he sleeps with). I could mention many more things that are special because of the meaning attached to them, and you could too.
We can also point out that it's the thought that counts when giving or receiving a gift. Ok, but what are we thinking? Not, God forbid, that things are more important than experiences. Perhaps at times buying a tangible gift for someone is an easy way out.
Velma could have bought a gift for me for Valentine's Day but instead she prepared an experience for both of us Tuesday evening. Since we wouldn't be able to celebrate Valentine's Day the rest of the week because our evenings are full we knew that evening was the only one open. When I walked in the door I observed our dining room table very nicely set for two. She had prepared meat loaf, potatoes done in a way we both like, and baked asparagus. She had also baked a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting for later. (I love chocolate.) Then we watched Fireproof for the first time, sharing some Kleenex towards the end. (Great movie, especially if you're about to divorce or want to learn to love without conditions.)
The experience is over with nothing tangible left except a little leftover food and most of the cake which will soon be gone. All that will remain is a memory of an experience. But . . . how much is that memory worth?
I remember vividly an experience of around 30 years ago when a friend of mine (not really all that close) took me out for lunch for my birthday. That cost him more time than money and I'll never forget the feeling of being special. I still carry that with me. One reason why is because people have never stood in line waiting to do something special for me on my birthday! :) And it was totally unexpected.
Here are some possibilities of experiences that could be given that cost very little:
1) This spring or summer take someone out to visit the huge flower garden southwest of Goshen on SR 119 between county roads 36 and 38 and have them over for ice cream afterward. (Sorry if you don't live around here!)
2) Take someone on a picnic.
3) On a clear dark night, ask someone over who knows the night sky and have them share what they know with you and some friends while out under that sky.
4) Have a few people over or go out to eat with them and invite everyone to share what experiences they've had in their life that were life-changing, or helped form their values in a significant way.
Now, that's my thinker just getting started. You take it from there. I'm interested in what you have done in terms of giving or buying experiences that could be included in one of these issues that the rest of us may want to use! What's the best experience someone has bought you? Share that too.
"Lord Jesus, I don't know that you ever bought any material gift for anyone, but you sure did arrange for some people to have the experience of their lives! Raising a son to life in front of his mother, forgiving people of their sin, making a little bread go an awfully long way, violating social rules in order to engage a woman at a well, and so many more. Help me to know that I can give so much more than tangible gifts and be willing to do the creative things that come to mind. Amen"
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