When it comes to Christmas presents, there are two kinds of good gifts.
The first is an easy category. These are the gifts you ask for specifically, know what shape of box they come in, and can spot them under the tree from clear across the room. Anticipating the moment until you are allowed to open it up, you grow fonder of the all-but-surprise gift by the moment.
For me, this year, that was a new long winter coat. With my trip to the East Coast in mind, I helped pick out the coat knowing it should be the last one I need to buy for at least a decade.
Today, I put the coat to good use. With fellow India-Traveler and friend Dianna, I paroled the streets of New York City today, trying to ignore the light frenzy of a rain, before joining the rest of our India Team in Newark.
Despite the weather, we saw the New York Public Library’s exhibit on Voltaire’s Candide; Van Gogh’s Starry Night, along with Picasso, Dali, Warhol & Pollock at the Museum of Modern Art; Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Times Square; and we even squeezed in a good deal of window shopping. Under a near-constant flurry of almost-snow, I’d say the coat was a worthy investment for this trip.
But there’s another type of gift that differs from this one entirely. This is the gift that you never saw coming, but could never be more perfect.
For Christmas this year, my sister went to WorldVision’s website and spent her money giving to the unfortunate. She presented me with a card that said 2 Chickens, seeds, farm tools and training to use these would be given in my name to a family in an impoverished, developing nation.
I was touched deeply. But it wasn’t until I stood up to give her a hug that it hit me how perfect this present was. This gift was everything I wanted my Christmas to be: others giving from their excess, sacrificing needs to meet the needs of others.
So it was at that moment, I lost it. I began sobbing. I’m an emotional wreck and freely admit it.
“Alternative Gifts” have been quite the talk this year. Seems as though social justice is becoming a bit of a trend. And in the words of Shane Claiborne, there have certainly been worse trends. But, as a trend, they’ve shuffled some feathers and raised a few questions (like this Relevant Article).
As the receiver of an “Alternative Gift” I can say: When given from the right heart, it’s the best gift you can receive.
Dianna and I noted the stark contrasts to be found in a city like New York: the serene of Central Park with the Structure of the skyscrapers; the glamor of Broadway with the poverty of the alleys; the money-hungry on 5th Avenue and the money-for-the-hungry inside the tithe box found in St Patrick’s Cathedral, inscribed with “For the Poor Around the World.”
We have a choice with the gifts that we are given. Will we use them to better the lives of those around us? Or will we use them for our own means.
My sister, I believe, chose the wiser, and longer lasting option. I’m proud of her, and the heart she has for others.
As I type this, I am sitting in a hotel room in Newark, NJ just 20 hours away from my departure to India. I hope that, with the gifts I’ve been given (before, in and during this trip) I can use them to better the lives of those around me: not simply financial or economically, but emotionally and Spiritually as well.
I expect to be out of the country for one week, so no blogging will come through in that time frame. Upon returning, I’ll be flying down to Florida for a week with my dad and friends down that way. Looking forward to returning from each leg of this trip with new stories to share.
Thank you for your support and readership this year.
See you in 2010.
-Chase
thedrift[at]chaseandre[dot]com
www.facelessinternational.com
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I love the unexpected gifts too. This year I gave funded the annual supplies for a women’s center in Afghanistan or Pakistan (through ikat.org) in honor of my parents. They’re the simplest gifts to give and some of the most meaningful to receive.
Praying for amazing things to come in India for you.
P.S. I just found your blog and LOVE it…keep up the good work.
I love you so much, Chase. And I’m proud of you. I’m praying God uses you in massive ways to speak the truth in all you do while in India.
See you when you come home.
You’re a very good person to appreciate such a great gift. A lot of people would bitterly respond to that gift and ask “What have you done for me lately?” I think you show great clarity in this post! I’m glad floreta suggested your blog.
The journey is the destination.
your sister has the heart of gold. i feel touched simply by reading this so i cannot imagine how overwhelmed you must have felt when she gave you those cards.
Great post. I agree that gifts do not have to always be a warm peacoat (although, a great gift and one that I would definitely not turn down). I have received a few gifts from the heart recently; a book that helps me wear down my 101 on 1001 list and a notebook made by an African man in poverty (bought by a coworker and the money went to benefit the African family). I love giving and receiving gifts and always jump at the chance to give financially (if I am able) or to give my time (which is much more abundant, but just as precious).