#semperlove - Friday, 30 May Gifts She appeared out of nowhere, wearing a green striped, two-piece bathing suit. “Mister, would you like these?” In her hands, she held out two broken conch shell stems. My reply was quick: “Thank you, but why don’t you keep them?” I didn’t really want what she was offering for I was looking for conchs, olives, and augers that were whole. “OK!” she said, obviously not hurt by my rejection of what she perceived to be treasures. In a moment, she was gone, and I grew concerned that perhaps I had hurt her feelings by not accepting her present. I remembered what an older, wiser pastor friend once told me: “When people offer gifts always accept whatever they give, bite your tongue, and say ‘Thank you.’” I suddenly realized that I had violated a cardinal rule. A few moments later, I scooped up a handful of shells and there on the very top of the pile was a beautiful, miniature conch. It was approximately one inch long, and without flaw. Here was the pearl of great price that I had been seeking to give as a gift to Bonnie. When the little girl came running back toward me, however, I impulsively asked, “Would you like this?” Without hesitation, and with her “Thank you!” still hanging in the air, she turned and ran to her mother. I pretended not to watch.but I couldn’t help notice that tiny daughter showing off her prize. In no time, my small friend came back. With glee spread over her face, she announced to me that her mom had agreed to place the shell in a special place in her room back home. In accepting my gift, I had been set free from guilt by this little girl. God, most often through other people, offers us beautiful gifts each day of our lives. At times, in our so-called wisdom, we refuse them, thereby refusing God. Only when we can become like little children can we squeal with joy when someone offers us gifts of love and acceptance, forgiveness and hope, and receive what is held out to us. Some of the most precious gifts that I own are broken pieces that have come to me from children of all ages. I have a file folder full of drawings, letters, and creations colored with crayons and made from yarn and string. In almost every instance, those who have held out their hands to me with their gifts have glowed as I have taken them. I am so thankful that my beach friend wasn’t offended when I said “no” to her initially. How would I have felt if she had refused my gift? I only know that I felt very good when she took my shell and raced to show it to her mother. I also realized that what she had held out for me was – in her eyes – just as beautiful as what I had given to her. What gifts will come your way today? Will you be open enough to hold out your hands, bite your tongue, and say “Thank you”? What treasures will you offer? Are you willing always to give your best? What difference will the giving and receiving make in your life and in the lives of others? There is only one way to find out and you know what to do, don’t you? Blessings and peace, De Hillyer Battalion Chaplain, WWS (fb)

#semperlove - Thursday, 29 May TV Commercials Few things in life insult me more than TV commercials. I learned in seminary that I should prepare sermons on a 7th grade reading level. Many TV commercials must be geared to 1st graders. If I were to choose the worst offenders, it would have to be the car ads. Screaming at me doesn’t work. Neither do the ads that are so clever that I sit in wonder, asking myself, “What the heck were they selling?” It dawned on me today that I am a continuous commercial. I advertise me, De Hillyer. What you see is what you get . . . most of the time. Every now and then I lose it and guess that if others nearby had the ability to turn me off, they would. Rachel Remen is a gifted writer and pediatric doctor who has greatly influenced me through two of her books, “Kitchen Table Wisdom” and “My Grandfather’s Blessings.” One of her comments helped me view life differently. She agrees that we all have stories, but more importantly, she says that “Everybody is a story.” If I’m a story, then you read me when you are in my presence and you read me in what I write and say. While a bit scary, this truth keeps me from making a total fool of myself . . . most of the time. Think about yourself and the story that you are to others. I’m hoping and praying that we will strive to be bestsellers. Blessings and peace, De Hillyer Battalion Chaplain, WWS (fb)