The Christian Gift

How true…

While this concept has broad application (“little things” can have a lot of meaning), as a landscape photographer, I can attest to the immense value of those “little things.”  During a spring shower, tiny droplets clung to the leaves and buds of this crabapple tree…so graceful, dainty and beautiful.

It was just a rainy day like so many others – yet here was this lovely image. A little thing. Like so many other “little things” I’ve had the opportunity to photograph. And on the many occasions when conditions made it impossible to capture a usable image, I was still able to observe something interesting…maybe beautiful. And of course, I was outdoors where I find immense enjoyment.

In and of themselves, certainly not earthshattering. Nonetheless, the sum total of all these little things is noteworthy, indeed.

If your child will soon be baptized, you might want to present his or her Godmother and Godmother with some sort of keepsake to commemorate not just that special day, but also the lifelong bond they’ll share.

That can be easier said than done; if you’ve looked for gifts for Godparents lately, you’ll know that there’s not necessarily a lot to choose from.

It was the approach of another baptism in my family, in fact, that was the impetus for the founding of The Christian Gift. I was looking for a special keepsake that I could personalize and my search wasn’t bearing much fruit. Not long after, I began kicking around ideas for custom-created baptism gifts – those that could be presented to Godmother, Godfather, or two Godparents together – and also personalized plaques that could be given to the child.

These plaques been a staple here at The Christian Gift, and I’m excited about the new designs that have just been added to the store in each of those categories: Gifts for Godfather, Godmother, Godparents, and Godchild.

This is just one of the new Godparents’ Gifts:

Are there other occasions you’d like to commemorate but have been unable to find a good range of keepsakes? Let us know! Maybe there’s a new collection waiting to be designed…!

You can’t pick your relatives.

Disclaimer: I’m fully aware that not all children have good relationships with their parents.

For me, though, I was blessed beyond measure when it came to the family in which God placed me. Like most children, I didn’t recognize in my earlier years just how good I had it. As little kids, of course, we’re pretty oblivious about these things.

Obviously, my folks weren’t perfect (ahem…nor was I). Who is? They took their responsibilities as parents seriously, though, and did the very best they could – which was pretty good in my book.

As a young adult, I began to look at my mom and dad through the prism of time and with perspective gained through experience – and the enormity of the gift I’d been given started to become quite apparent. It’s become more and more pronounced as the years have passed – and as I’ve reflected on their amazing life stories (not just the time that I knew them).

My appreciation for and admiration of them continues to grow to this day.

It struck me when rereading this passage from the Book of Proverbs last week how true it has been for me:

Keep your father’s commands and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Bind them in your heart forever; fasten them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. ~Proverbs 6:20-22

Both my folks have gone home to be with God, and I miss them deeply. However, they are bound in my heart forever.

The blessing of my parents is a gift that has kept on giving. I carry them with me; I continue to benefit from their guidance; though their days here on earth have passed, they walk with me still. How amazing to know I’ll carry that gift all the days of my life!

Clarice & Walter Metschke, my mom and dad

A woman I know has been heavily involved in the music program at her church for years. She started about 20 years ago directing the choir; before long a bell choir was established, also.

Over the years she’s organized youth choirs and done a great job incorporating a variety of instrumentalists into the mix. Each December, she puts together a wonderful Christmas concert featuring each of the musical groups. There’s more – but you get the idea.

Their music ministry is vibrant and diverse, and as you can imagine, my friend spends many an evening at the church in various rehearsals.

After many years of service, she decided at the end of 2011 to cut back and stepped down from her role as Music Director (though she continues to direct the handbell choir).

Her talents and instruction have benefitted many; the hours she’s invested in the program over so many years are impossible to tally.

Do you let someone like that leave her job with a thank you and pat on the back…or do something a little extra to recognize her sacrificial service?

Across the country, there are thousands of volunteers just like my friend whose contributions are key to church operations. Their work makes it possible for many important things to happen – whether it’s music, Sunday School, Bible classes, greeting people on Sunday mornings, administrative tasks, outreach programs, missions projects – you name it. If those jobs don’t get done, your church is a very different place.

Let’s face it: most volunteers aren’t “in it” for recognition. They feel called to contribute, and are happy to do so. A little boost in the way of public appreciation, though, can go a long way in keeping folks from burning out.

There are any number of things you can do – many of which don’t cost a dime. Use your imagination!

If you want to go one step further and present your volunteers with something tangible, you can do something nice without breaking the bank. Some congregations present our personalized church service plaques to those who are ending their terms every year. Others give them to volunteers have done something unusual and extraordinary. We’ve also had churches present them to people who have completed large-scale projects, like building programs.

Interested? Check them out. We’ve got plaques for teachers and musicians as well as general pupose service recognition.