the Low Down

I Hope It Fits

I don’t have a tradition or philosophy regarding Christmas Shopping but in my older years I have become more proactive in buying presents for my family.  I am not a big fan of buying presents just because you have to, or buying anything just so you have something to give.  I like to buy present that have meaning or that I know fits someone’s style.  This year I have been uncharacteristically ahead of the game.  This summer I came across a few things for my brother and the rest of the men in my family.  This Fall I was able to go to Peru where I saw a few items that would be perfect for my nieces and Nephews.

When December finally arrived I was almost completely done with my shopping. 

Now this proactive approach comes with a couple very real challenges.  The first challenge is waiting to give these gifts. I just knew that this year’s gifts were going to be enjoyed by my family.  I’m not a very patient man and I genuinely like finding that very cool gift.  So at times it can be torture just waiting. But I have learned that if you just pile them away in a place you don’t see very often you quickly forget you even have them.

            The second challenge comes as a result of buying as you go.  When you pick up presents on vacation its not that easy to drive down to the store and exchange the item in the event it’s not the right one.  When you buy gifts in other countries it’s kinda a pain to return it.  Luckily for me I know my families style but where I am not completely confident is when it came to size. 

            So as I began to wrap this years presents I started to feel a certain anxiety creep in.  I started having a frequent concern echo in my mind…”I Hope it Fits”.  I hope the shirt fits because It was from a store that’s out of business now.  I hope that hat fits because it was from a store that is out of state.  I hope that sweater fits because I’m not sure I’m going back to Peru any time soon.  I hope those slippers fit because I don’t think Miguel does shipping and receiving from his Corner stall at the Lima marketplace.  I hope the sweat suit fits or I’m going to have to explain that they were one of a kind and can’t be exchanged.

            I Hope It Fits.  One by one the presents were unwrapped and the faces lit up.  One by one I had peace of mind return to me.  There was only one last hurdle to navigate.  That was when I noticed how Christmas morning was shaping up.  As everyone made their way through their pile of presents I noticed that three people had placed my gift to them aside to open it last.  The suspense was thick.  I was going to have to endure a grand finale of anxiety.  I’m happy to report that I made it.  To my knowledge all is well and everyone was pleased with their gift. 

So another Christmas is behind us and it was a wonderful celebration of not only the Gift of Jesus Christ to us, but also of the gift we have in each other.  And if that is not enough the icing on the cake was…..It All Fit!!

 

 

Pastor Low