I love receiving gift cards … especially to coffee shops! They just seem such decadent gifts to receive. They allow me to drive-through for a favorite drink, or take one of my daughters out for a treat … and it is free for me. The best thing is, it is the gift that just keeps on giving, because usually there is still a balance on the card to use at another time.
Recently I was reminded of what gift is better than a coffee gift card.
The other day, a student was excited to see me as he walked into the front doors of the school. I stopped to greet him. With a million dollar smile all over his face, he said he had something for me. An end of the year, thank-you card was placed into my hand. It was handwritten by him … “Mrs. Weaton” written in one corner … his Mom did not help with this card (my last name is spelled Wheaton).
I have to say, seeing the misspelling of my name made me more eager to open and read what was inside, but I was in a bit of a hurry to reach another destination, and had already chatted longer than the time I had. We said our good-byes, and I promised to see him later that afternoon.
I could not wait to open the envelope, and read what he had written inside.
When I did finally have the opportunity, his words filled me with pride in how well he communicated, how neat was his handwriting, how specific the events of the past school year he communicated.
His note was full of reminders (to me) of what he and I, and others, had shared this school year. Even though our schedules were such that we shared so little time together this year, we had shared so much with the little time availed to us.
I smiled as I absorbed each word, my heart filling with each deposit.
My deposits to him were born out of a pay cheque … his deposits to me were born out of thankfulness.
My deposits to him came from my strengths … his deposits to me were born out of his weaknesses.
My reason for working with him was his disability … his reason for writing this note was his abilities.
The words of Paul (2 Corinthians 12: 9) came to my mind, after reading this precious note:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
This note, full of memories and thanks, is far better than any gift card … it is truly the gift that keeps on giving … because there is always a balance still left on this card.
itsawonderfilledlife 