Mar 27 - Matthew 2:11

opening their treasure chests,

they offered him gifts of

gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Matthew 2:11

^NRSV

 

I have a friend who loves -- loves, loves, loves -- gifts. 

 

It is the biggest part of any holiday. She practically quivers with excitement when a gift is passed in her direction. She literally oohs and aahs over every detail. It's a joy to give her a gift. Her excitement is her gift back to the giver. 

 

Gift-giving is her Love Language. 

 

When her birthday nears, her husband has one job for that entire birthday month: He must listen for clues so he can pick out the perfect gift!

 

They're fun to watch! Gifts are her Love Language ... and he finds joy in showing his bride love. 

 

Gifts, however, are not the primary Love Language in my house. Indeed, most holidays Mary Louise and I make a pact to not buy each other gifts. 

 

"How unromantic!" you may say. And it is ... if your Love Language involves spontaneity and gifts. 

 

But Mary Louise and I have a different definition of romantic. We find the long-term goals to be the most satisfying. So we carefully prioritize our long-term needs. We carefully script each month’s generosity – to church and missions and sponsor children overseas. Then we work together daily through careful budgeting. (Careful prioritization may not be romantic in the spontaneous sense, but we find it wonderfully romantic in terms of results!)

 

Now, I'm not saying that my gift-giving friends don't have a long-term strategy. They are very forward-thinking! They budget very well. It's just with two salaries, they budget a few more gifts and surprises than we do. 

 

But that's choices. 

 

That's priorities. 

 

And that's understanding our love languages. In our family, we like gifts … but we love results.

 

How about you?!

 

Question: What is the role of gift-giving in making you feel loved? What's the role of gifts for your beloved? And whether this is your beloved's primary Love Language or not, how can you get better at spontaneity, romance, and gift-giving? 

 

In Christ's Love,

a practical romantic