It’s that time of year.

So many people frantically shopping for the ‘perfect’ gift. Stores are insanely full and when shopping online, the most important aspect is often the shipping time. ‘Will it arrive in time?’

But you know what? I’ve already received two amazing, can’t be bought in a store, gifts. The kind of gifts that have brought me to my knees in gratitude and have humbled me.

Neither came wrapped with a bow, but both will be held forever in my heart to be opened again and again. Held alongside those other intangible, yet unspeakably treasured gifts that I have been fortunate enough to have received.

My Dad loving me through and waiting for me to return.

Being shown, learning, and knowing that I am more than enough.

Friendships that I had no right to expect, but hoped for, and have received.

When I do think of tangible gifts, I immediately think of the videos that my Dad put together as a movie…’Marci and Marlo, The Early Years’ and a few years later, the prequel. The prequel arrived the Christmas after our mom had passed. Dad wanted us to know that we were born of love…that their story was not defined by how it ended.

…and, believe me when I say, that learning that was the true gift.

While ribbons and bows are pretty and beautiful, it is love, forgiveness, understanding, grace, and acceptance that have the capacity to be the most treasured gifts of the season.