Often people gets confused what kind of gifts should they gift to their loved ones when special time comes. There are a lot of varieties in the different gifts one can choose from, starting from chocolates and roses during Valentines, to a special dinner during a wedding anniversary. Gifts can range from a small ‘thank you’ note, to expensive accessories.
For some people, the monetary value of the gift is not the one that matters. They prefer to craft their own gifts using their creativity. Examples of these includes photo albums and handcrafted artwork. These gifts might not cost a lot, the value lies in the effort one puts into making it.
The dilemma of the true value of a gift haunts people who plans to present one. One would usually rely on what he/she knows about the person whom the gift was to be given. Maybe he/she likes to read fiction books? the BFG would be a perfect choice. Or does sweetheart love classics music? Get him/her an compilation of Tchaikovsky. Let’s just hope that he/she would like the gift.
Out of all the things that could be made for gifts, isn’t there any gifts which would suit anybody anywhere?
During the NTU Toastmasters welcome tea I attended last week, I was really touched by a speech delivered by Gary Guwe, a former president of Toastmasters. The story was about a little girl who wanted to present her mother with the best present she could give her. So here goes the story…
It was her mom’s birthday and the little girl wanted to give her the best present she could get. She had a little money, but she knew those wouldn’t get her the things she wanted to give her mother. She tought for days, and at last she got an idea. Off she went to the supermarket.
Once she arrived at the supermarket, she lifted up a big box and brought it to the cashier. She had the box nicely wrapped and ready to be presented. Upon reaching her home her sister was very surprised, seeing the little girl lifting the big box with difficulty. She helped her put the box on top of the dinner table and the little girl waited for her mom.
After a few hours, her mom came from work obviously feeling tired. The little girl greeted her, and told her to open the box. The mom untied the ribbon and open the box. The inside was empty. Feeling curious, she asked the little girl,
“Thank you dear for the present. But what is this that you are giving me?”
“I have nothing to give you mom. I only wanted to say that I want to live with you forever.”
Hearing this, her mother shed tears and hold her dear one close to her.
“I’ll always be here for you, darling”
—-
The little girl had nothing to give her mother, yet she had given the best present there ever is. She had given her mother her time, a part of her life.
So the next time you aren’t sure what to give your loved ones, be sure to remember this story. The most precious gift there is is your attention and time, a part of your life. And a lasting memory that would last for a lifetime
So, do not waster your time. Live as if you are living your last day.
– Agi
hiddenfuture
