Tiny Gift - Christian Record Services

Gift
ATinyBIG
by Jill Pritchard-Wilson
26
I
t was Christmas morning at our home and
three-year-old granddaughter, Alison,
watched wide-eyed as each family member
opened gifts—taking turns as was the family
custom. Little sister Kimberly was equally
enchanted with the wonderment of the occasion,
mimicking Alison’s every expression.
Alison chose her first gift, a tiny package
from her uncle Scott. To her delight it was
a bag of foil-wrapped chocolate “coins.”
Well-disciplined by her nutrition-conscious
parents not to overindulge in sweets, she
carefully tucked the coins in her pocket where
they would remain until a special treat time
determined by Mother.
The next evening we all went to a local
restaurant. As we finished our meal, I noticed
that Alison was especially quiet. I realized she
was industriously tearing her paper napkin
into small squares. She then withdrew the
little bag of coins and carefully wrapped each
coin—all but one—in a square (the one saved
was, understandably, for Alison). Finally, she
proudly announced that it was her turn to be
the giver.
The first tiny present went to Uncle Scott
who feigned surprise at the contents. The
27
presentation continued to Stuart, Kristin, her
mom and dad, and Papop (grandpa). Suddenly,
a look of alarm and dismay flashed across her
face as she discovered she was one gift short.
She looked at me then at the unwrapped piece
she had saved for herself. Without a word,
she tore off another piece of napkin and with
her hands held beneath the table top so that
no one could see, she carefully wrapped the
chocolate coin. “Here Grandy” she said, “Here
is your Christmas present.”
The little gold coin rests on my desk where
it will remain a daily reminder of the true spirit
of Christmas. It was the most precious gift I
received that Christmas. ▼
Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor:
Thank you so much for the wonderful issue
of Lifeglow for July/August. I’m so happy for
it. I’ve been to The Wall. In 1969 I went with
a group to see Berlin—The Wall, go through
Checkpoint Charlie—and I thoroughly enjoyed
everything you wrote. Thanks so much.
Wilma Padgett
New Castle, Indiana
28