I am trying to minimize EVERYTHING at the moment,
and I request that you think of this when you decide to gift something to
me.
Most likely, it will come down to me keeping whatever you give me
FOREVER (because I am a hoarder of sentimentalism). So, I ask that you'd choose
your gift wisely.
Words sure do mean a lot. And I'm not talking about a cutesy
Hallmark pre-written and typed paragraph with your signature below. I'm talking
about a heart-felt notebook or scratch paper letter of humor, wit, wisdom,
haiku, personal requests, a bible verse (not just the reference), personal
remarks and criticisms of the past three-hundred and sixty four/five (depends
how you count it) that I have just lived.
I always see a birthday as the one day in the year when everyone
is obliged to make sure that they are nice to you. You can't get in trouble on
your birthday - it's like you get off scott-free. You can eat breakfast in bed.
The spotlight is awkwardly on you when they sing (we've all been serenaded by a
chorus of beloved), and you feel like you've accomplished something, but you
can't quite figure out what it actually is. You feel appreciated because
everyone gives you a hug on that day, EVERYONE.
But I also always see a birthday as a guest book for a rude
awakening. I know that you are so glad that I'm born (maybe you aren't or
could care less), but tell me why. How, specifically, have I impacted you,
and how can I impact you more? How I can be a better person. Tell me how I can
reflect the actions of my savior better. Tell me the areas of my life that you
see fit for a revival. Tell me what I could have done better. Tell me how I
should give the glory to whom it is so rightly due. Tell me how you grow within
365 days. Remember, rude awakenings welcomed.
why do I keep counting?...
Screw New Year's. A birthday is the real marker.
The thought, time, and detail that goes into a gift will not go
unnoticed by me. The simplest of gifts can go a long way, even if it is a piece
of tree bark with my name etched onto it and you took the time to etch.
But, if you aren't too keen on any of the above, I would suggest
the fleeting following:
laptop
non-Vera Bradley backpack for school
textbooks