Gift Returns

Did you receive any unwanted Christmas presents? Sweaters a size too big or too small? Tools that only Bob Vila could use? Toys with no batteries?

I am reminded of an Everybody Loves Raymond classic episode. Raymond has given his brother, Debra's parents, and his parents an engraved toaster. Robert and Debra's parents are delighted. However, his own parents exchange the toaster for coffee pot without even opening the box. Raymond is so enraged, Marie goes to great lengths to reclaim the lost treasure. While standing in the exchange line, a woman complains that whoever engraved her toaster got the names wrong. Marie realizes it's Raymond's toaster and connives to reclaim it. The other woman simply says, "Why would I want a different toaster? This is a gift from my son?"

I wonder what we do with God's gifts? Some have been endowed with great singing voices, some with artistic talents. Still others have the gift of hospitality and thoughtfulness. I wonder if we sometimes want to trade in our special gift for someting more glamorous or utilitarian. I wonder what the world would be like if we simply used the talents we already have instead of pining for something better.

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