Appearance of a simple question, requiring an answer of much depth. If I were to consider my current situation of being a person of years, limited income possibilities with facing financial challenges, the answer would be as fleeting as the gift – money. More specifically, I could live my ending years with a simple million dollars.
The answer is a material, fleeting answer with the possibility of not solving any problems or creating personal growth. Much of our lives we associate a gift with a material object, something we can see and touch. An example is the holiday a majority of people celebrated with the exchanging of gifts. I also participated in the holiday exchange of gifts to family members, searching for or creating the most appropriate and useful gift for the receiver. The receiver knowing that love and time went into each gift, not some random picking from a shelf or online store. Thoughtfully a selection was made of what they would like and use, time searching or creating, and beautifully wrapped in love.
Through the decades of life, I have spoken and interacted with thousands of people from various walks of life, some rich, some very poor, and others struggling. The gift each person really desired to receive was acknowledgement of being there, a person or simply being seen. Someone to listen to their words, not hear, truly listen without criticism or judgement. Although they are different, to be accepted for who they are, not agreeing with or patronizing, just simple acceptance they are a person who feels, sees, hears and has their own thoughts. All of this takes time from the one who sees, listens and accepts.
The answer to the question is not a simple one word answer, but a heart searching, thought provoking and examination of one’s self to provide the answer. In a world where everyone is trained to be focused on the desires, needs and wants of self, without thought of those around us. Perhaps the best answer is to be from being the giver instead of the receiver.
What is the greatest gift I can give to you? Only then we will have received the greatest gift.
amtolle
Me, Myself and I 