Love Remains the Greatest Gift

Years ago my spouse served on a church staff with Jay Hurd. It was Jay’s first staff position and second career. In his heart Jay was a poet and one year he penned these words:

Not richly wrapped; no foil or paper bright, in an unobtrusive corner, almost out of sight; lay a tiny package under the orphanage Christmas tree; when finally it was found, was the only one left for me. My heart fell with sadness; it was not fair at all. The others grabbed the large gifts, while mine was so very small.

Retreating to a corner, tears welling in my eyes, I didn’t want the others to see me as I began to cry. The paper was so crumpled, the ribbon seemed so old, but through the tear stained wrapping shone the glint of gold. Beautiful golden locket shaped into a dove, the note inside said, “For you child the gift today is love. For several years I’ve come to watch to find a child like you. One that didn’t push and shove the way the others do; Now you need to know me, the mystery to unfold, I wear a golden locket just like the one you hold.”

My eyes flew to the visitors who often brought us goods, a chain of gold around her neck, so elegantly she stood. Years it’s been since she took me home, but the lesson I recall; love remains the greatest gift, but it’s often packaged small.

One Christmas Jay blessed us with the invitation to share his poem with those we met along our journey. Over the years we have done that many times. This year, as my Hornet Family, ones I am grateful to tarry with along this journey, I share with you his poem as a reminder, regardless of how you celebrate this holiday season and whatever ways/traditions you bring to life during these days, of these words:

Love remains the greatest gift, but it’s often packaged small.

Joyous holidays, Hornet Nation!

Katrina