BlogDecember 23, 2010

An “Empty” Gift

By Patrick Maurer

A few weeks ago, I attended a conference in Missouri and enjoyed a weekend with some of my favorite leaders in the world of student activities. At the end of the event, my friend Ann from Minnesota came up to me and gave me a small present with a piece of paper. I opened the gift and there was nothing in it.

At first I was a bit surprised, but then I read the piece of a paper, a paraphrased version of The Pause: A Christmas Gift by Keith Gaddy Davis. Often times we get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, that sometimes we forget to literally PAUSE. Ann’s gift beautifully illustrated this idea.

So for the next few days, I’m going to “pause” and be with family and friends. I hope you do the same.

I’m going to try to use facebook and my iPhone a little bit less and enjoy the present of the presence of those around me.

Merry Christmas!

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1 Comment

  • Sara Nilles
    Thanks Patrick for taking the time to remind me of Ann's gift. I sat down to my chair one morning, was running a little late (shocking), was feeling frazzled and saw the gift on my spot . . . .I being of a curious nature quickly opened it. I loudly said to Gene next to me "mine's empty". He then quickly gave me a funny look and told me to read the letter. I soon went from feeling excited to a little bit like a fool. However, a very valuable lesson was learned - I too have taken more time to PAUSE and am so thankful for the gift that Ann so kindly shared.