the pretty bows

One year when Hannah was around 6-years-old, she was watching me wrap Christmas presents. She noticed that I would use the smaller bows for our family’s gifts and save the bigger, fancier bows for other people. She asked me why I did this. I wasn’t really sure what to tell her.

I think some of it had to do with my pride – wanting others to be maybe a little impressed with my pretty presents. Also, I guess I just didn’t think my family really noticed – that they would accept whatever I put on the gift. Although, this is probably somewhat true, I felt bad when she asked me about it. I thought about the fact that I tend to do that in other areas of my life, too. Like when I keep a smile on my face for strangers and then let my family see the “real me” that isn’t so nice. I don’t want to do that. Of all the people in my life, I would like to show kindness and love to those closest to me.

God, please help me to remember to put the pretty bows on my loved ones presents.