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PROGRAM D-7726
It’s gift-giving time again and I imagine you’re trying to come up with some great gift ideas for the people in your life—right? I mean, you would like to think of the very best gift that would please them, something different and unique, something that will truly be meaningful to those receiving your gift.
I’m going to give you five outstanding gift ideas that will work for anyone in your life. These are gifts that will be welcomed and treasured, and the good news is, they don’t cost any money. The great gifts of this season – or any season – can’t be put under the tree; you can’t wear them or eat them or drive them or play with them. But they are priceless.
My first great gift idea is the gift of a listening ear. Do you know how many people there are in this world—in your life—that would love to have a listening ear for Christmas? Someone who will simply give them time and let them talk about whatever is on their heart.
I often think of elderly people who we sometimes overlook in our busy lives. Does an elderly person you know come to your mind right now? What about making an opportunity to sit down with them, have a cup of coffee, and just listen. Even if you don’t personally know someone like that, you could visit a nursing home and make yourself available to someone there. Often those in nursing homes have few if any people in their lives who visit them. Can you imagine how thrilled they would be for you to simply say, “How’re you doing? Tell me about yourself.” It would be the best gift you could give them.
I find that elderly people love to talk about their past—recalling stories of their youth. And they’re usually very interesting and even amusing.
Maybe there are some children or teenagers in your life that would love to have someone to talk to. Why not give them a listening ear for Christmas? If you know someone who has experienced a significant loss lately, they would usually love a listening ear. You might feel like you don’t know what to say to them, but the thing is, you don’t have to say much of anything. Just listen.
It won’t be hard for you to find someone who needs a listening ear; why don’t you give it to them? It will make Christmas for them.
James 1 tells us we are to be quick to listen and slow to speak. So, great gift idea number 1 is “Give a listening ear.”
