Merry Christmas

The Three Jewels http://creativeservices.us/streams/helenbaylor.html

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I had three beautiful jewels, and I was eager to give them away. Each jewel was nearly identical and glorious to behold. I gave the first jewel to a friend, and they reacted with joy as the light broke on the surface, splitting into millions of colorful fragments. They put the jewel on a chain around their neck and stepped outside. As they walked along on the sidewalk, they began to wonder if it was a mistake to wear such a beautiful ornament in public. They wondered if people would envy them, and they became fearful that someone might try to steal the gift. I stood at a distance and watched as they tucked it away inside their shirt.

I gave a second jewel to another friend. Like the first, they reacted with joy at the sight of the beautiful gift. They put the jewel around their neck and walked out into the town square. At first they were excited to show everyone the gift they were given, but soon, as people began to notice the magnificent jewel, they became self-conscious. People could not help but notice how beautiful and radiant the jewel was…and suddenly it felt more like a burden than a gift. Embarrassed, the person took the jewel and tucked it inside their shirt…as I stood at a distance and watched.

I gave my third jewel to another friend. Again, like the first two, they reacted enthusiastically as they put the gift around their neck. Crowds began to gather as the stone illuminated the town square. When bystanders commented, the wearer reacted with joy stating that they were overwhelmed and blessed to be given such a beautiful gift! Then the wearer stopped for a moment and pointed at me saying, “and the person who gave it to me is standing right there”. Suddenly someone yelled from the crowd and accused the wearer of being ostentatious. Another said that such a jewel should not be worn in public, and yet another called the wearer a braggart…and all the while, I stood there watching.

What do we do with the gifts we’ve been given? Are we fearful and embarrassed, or are we grateful and willing to share them with the world?

I was once asked why I spend so much time bragging about the things that I have done, the tools which fell into my lap, and the long career that has blessed me so abundantly.

Maybe I am a braggart, or maybe, it’s because the one who gave me the gifts, is standing right there ... 

 

 Wishing you a blessed Christmas and a peaceful New Year!

Friedhelm Dohmann
 Forum Administrator

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