Our Greatest Gift

My husband and I ran into a business acquaintance the other day. He has been so determined to be successful in his career that he has obsessively spent every moment of every day working on his “Magnum Opus”.  The project is near completion after almost fifteen years of intense focus.  While meeting with him we got on a personal level asking about his family.  His countenance changed from excitement over his project to hollow tones in his voice.  He then told us that his wife had left him and had filed for divorce. His children would now be torn between two estranged parents. We were sad to hear the news because we have known the family for so long. The focus to create a gift for society came with the price of losing his family. His “Magnum Opus” that cost him so much eternally will not even be known a generation from now.

I couldn’t help but think of another visit we made the week prior to a very busy household consisting of mom, dad and five little boys.  Yes, it was noisy and busy but filled with love.  The disciplined household was involved with music lessons, homework, sporting events attended by mom and dad where children were cheered on and finally all were tucked into bed and kissed goodnight by two tired parents.  They work as a team to accomplish the greater achievement…raising a good family in unity and togetherness. This powerful parental gift of love translates into a strong family unit that becomes the most powerful gift to society.

There is a painting by artist James Christensen that I love entitled “Hold to the Rod, the Iron Rod”. It pictures a little man dressed in fine apparel whose hands and arms are filled with everything that life offers us. He is holding accounting books, educational degrees, money, numerous keys and packages portraying material things.  He is forlornly gazing up at the Iron Rod directly above his head but because his arms are so full of all the worldly gifts of which he obviously cannot let go, there is no way to reach or grab hold of it.

What really is our greatest gift?  I have thought much this month about the time we expend into things of this world that really won’t matter in the eternities. Shopping, looking through magazines, surfing the internet, playing computer games and the list could go on and on.  Unfortunately we all know the list too well. In spite of the immaculately kept garden we might tend, I’ve never ever heard of one plant, leaf or tree that would come to your bedside if you were in the hospital regardless of the pleasure  you derive from looking and working in it.  It’s not that such an endeavor can’t provide pleasure and enjoyment, but if done at the expense of one’s family what have we really gained?  Whether a garden, football, automobiles or whatever other pursuit we focus on, if we are out of balance with eternity, it may all be for naught. Our families are most important and our relationship we have with them. Families are forever not to overuse the common phrase. 

I hope this Christmas season you look closely at those gathered around you, ward members, friends and most importantly family.    It is not the gift purchased at a store that brings lasting joy. It is the gift of family and our association with friends.  It is laughter, caring, giving of self and loving others.  Cherish those feelings of enveloping every one of them into a big group hug.  This is our greatest gift