{"id":2380,"date":"2015-12-23T23:32:42","date_gmt":"2015-12-23T23:32:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.doingwhatmatters.com\/?p=2380"},"modified":"2015-12-24T16:05:14","modified_gmt":"2015-12-24T16:05:14","slug":"the-greatest-gift","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/doingwhatmatters.com\/the-greatest-gift\/","title":{"rendered":"The Greatest Gift \u2014 and the Giveaway"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"The<\/a>The greatest gift of all<\/h1>\n

When you are planning a gift, it can be hard to know what a loved one might need or want. There is one gift that is truly one-size-fits-all, and when truly given, it will not break, but will grow stronger year after year. What is that greatest gift? It is the gift of love, manifested through time, kindness, service, and care for others. Essentially, it is the gift of self.<\/p>\n

As you wrap up the loose ends of the year, remember to take time for things that matter, and above all, give the greatest gift one person can give another \u2014 the gift of love.<\/p>\n

Love is patient;
\nlove is kind;<\/strong>
\nlove is not envious
\nor boastful
\nor arrogant
\nor rude.<\/p>\n

It does not insist on its own way;
\nit is not irritable or resentful;
\nit does not rejoice in wrongdoing,
\nbut rejoices in the truth.<\/p>\n

It bears all things,
\nbelieves all things,
\nhopes all things,
\nendures all things.<\/p>\n

Love never ends . . .<\/p>\n

And now faith, hope, and love abide . . .
\nand the greatest of these is love<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

I Corinthians 13:4-8, 13 (RSV)<\/p>\n

A gift of music<\/h3>\n

In keeping with the gift theme, I wanted to share one of my favorite poems, Christina Rossetti’s “In the Bleak Midwinter,” beautifully set to music. I had heard it for years before I stopped to listen to the words. It is beautiful \u2014 I hope you enjoy it. You can read the poem and hear another version of it at the Excellence in Literature site.<\/a><\/p>\n