Finding the Way Home
The eNewsletter Archive

Below is the archived version of Marshall Hayden's eNewesletter "Finding the Way Home." If you would like to be added to to mailing list, please send a blank email to evangelism-subscribe@worthingtoncc.org.

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Christmas 2007

What do you get for the person who has everything?

The other day I made out my Christmas list. Once a year I do that, because I know that our sons would like to give dad "something;" and even though Judy and I, in recent years, have tried to figure out something that needs to be replaced or something that we both would like to have, and give it to each other, she would like to have something to put in my stocking. So, I think through my clothing from head to foot, and take a mental trip around the garage. I wonder if there is anything I need in the church office or at my desk at home. A look through my golf bag is not much help. On our twenty-fifth anniversary here the church family gave me a great bag, set of irons, and a new three-wood. Paul Williams, Ken Love, and Bill Martin have each given me a great driver. Bob Fitzpatrick finds and passes along my favorite golf balls. I can only use one glove a year. I scrounge tees, and have never bought one in my life. So when I try to find something to ask for, I come up pretty empty.

It’s not that I have everything; but I have more than I need. And our house needs to be emptied rather than filled. When my parents were at this stage in life I remember deciding that the only things that made sense were things edible, rather quickly perishable, wearable (and only then where an item could replace something that could be tossed out), or something that could be enjoyed for a moment and passed along to somebody else.

But it is nice to be thought of, and it is nice to find something meaningful to give a friend or loved one, even when it is not needed. So all of us try to come up with something that will be appreciated!

There are three or four more giving and receiving issues that come to play this month too. Children have been brainwashed by advertisers and taunted by friends; and they can wail for things that they will soon forget. Luxury cars and fine jewelry are promoted to guilt-driven spouses who have withheld proper attention the rest of the year. "Keeping up with the Joneses" is alive and well. And it is easy to be blind to the fact that what we see as a birthright would be an impossible fantasy to much of the rest of the world. But those matters will have to wait for another note.

The one who really has everything is God. "Who has ever given to God that God should repay him (Romans 11:35)?" But he still loves getting our little gifts. Our need to give is the issue, not his need to receive. And, even though he owns everything, by giving us a free will there are things that he doesn’t possess. He only gets them if I freely give them – like the worship, integrity, and courage that we have talked about in church this month. He gets a lot of praise, but does he get my praise? He gets a lot of kindness through the "when you have done it unto the least of my brethren you have done it unto me" care that he has received from many of his children. But has he gotten that kindness from me? Has he received commitment from me? Or deep gratitude? Or repentance? Will I support with my time, finances, and attitude the things that he loves?

"He owns the cattle on a thousand hills," but what will he get from me?