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The Gift

"I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid."  John 14:27


It was her birthday. And the usual question a friend would ask was posted, “what do you want to receive on your birthday?” “Peace of mind”, she answered unequivocally. I literally checked my pocket to look for the gift she wished to have. I even checked my wallet if I had enough money to buy for the one she was begging to take. None in my pocket; not enough money in my wallet—for the gift she was dying to receive wasn’t in me and in my little capacity to achieve.

Indeed, no one can give something he doesn’t have.

I thought that if i didn't have it, perhaps other people possess the one my beloved was looking for. And by asking maybe, in the process, I might as well have it too. As such, I looked for people who, in my opinion, bear the face of tranquility and happiness. I handed them the questions frequently and eagerly asked about peace of mind.

They had their answers and each answer was unique. I came to think then that peace of mind has many different forms. And every form varies according to a person’s situation in life. I read their answers and tried to analyze them over again. I arrived into a conclusion that their so-called peace-of-mind are just enough for them not to dispense for others’ aid. Their gifts are only for them to keep. They can show their gifts to others but not to give them away. I worried, did not the ones who gave their gifts consequently lose theirs? Hurriedly, I went back to the questionnaires and list of answers to discover the names and identity of the pitiful persons who lost their peace-of-mind for others’ sake.

I read all clipped sheets of questions and answers. Dissatisfied, I read them back and spent a lengthier time reviewing. Finally, my own question was answered– only one source has given the gifts! He is one person who infinitely possesses a kind of peace-of-mind that suits everyone according to his or her need. I fell on my knees. I felt guilt and remorse for denying and ignoring His power to bring me to a life of serenity and happiness.

I went back to the people I casually interviewed. This time, instead of asking them questions I asked them to pray for my friend and for me too. Afterwards, I went to my friend over the phone bringing her no gift but a favor for me. “Since it’s your birthday, pray for me also to receive what you had wished for yourself.” Then, I went back to Him ashamed of my irreverence. From the bottom of my heart I thanked Him for making me realize that I am not– and neither anyone– is of little capacity to receive His gift. 

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