Day 20 - GIFT

The theme for the photo today is "gift". Gifts are great. Everyone could agree that receiving something from someone is always an exciting thing, but how do you feel when you give a gift? I know that when I give someone else a gift I get almost as excited as receiving a gift. When a gift is thoughtful or heartfelt there is no denying that you feel special which is why we should feel special everyday.

Something I'm sure everyone has heard is, "everyday is a gift", and it's true! Everyday that we are alive and healthy God is giving us the ultimate gift of life. Whether we realize it or not, every day that we are on Earth is something to be thankful for. Yes, ultimately we are trying to get to heaven, but while we are on Earth we must make the most of our time. Everyday we are giving and receiving gifts. Maybe they are not exactly considered gifts, but that smile you gave to someone walking down the street, that was a gift. The door you held for the person walking in behind you, that was a gift. These small gestures are small gifts that can have huge impacts on one another. The smallest gifts can make people the happiest because it truly is the thought that counts.

Another connection we can make with the theme of gifts are the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. These gifts consist of:

-The gift of fear

-The gift of knowledge

-The gift of fortitude

-The gift of counsel

-The gift of understanding

-The gift of wisdom

-The gift piety

These gifts all help us grow in our relationship with God. Going in depth of each would turn this post into a novel, but each focus on a different way to avoid sin, have good judgement, overcome difficulties, and understand what God has in store for us.

Lastly I want to focus on mass. In the Catholic faith we refer to the Eucharist as the "gifts". These gifts are some of the best gifts we will ever have the privilege of receiving. When we eat the body and drink the blood we are remembering the sacrifices that were made for us as well as becoming closer with God. Communion is a gift that takes time to understand and appreciate, but when you do its meaning is amazing.

#gift