Monday, December 14, 2009

Giving Tree - The Christmas Bathrobe -

A tree with special ornaments
makes its appearance every year in many churches.  Written on each paper ornament is a gift for someone in need.
One Christmas season,
The Giving Tree gave me a gift I will never forget.



Six years ago, Chris and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary at Geneva-On-The-Lake in The Finger Lakes region of NY.  It is so beautiful there; we had such a wonderful time.  For two frugal people, we did a little splurging, enjoying the views, the food and their lush bathrobes. 

The day we checked out of our hotel, we meandered over to their gift shop.  They had all kinds of typical things for sale...mugs, glasses, other souvenirs.  But, what caught my eye were
their bathrobes!   Frugal as I am, I didn't buy one...but I always remembered how wonderful they were.



Months later, I was at  BJ's Club and saw beautiful bathrobes for sale (they were stocking up for Christmas).  Oh...they were as nice as the ones from Geneva and priced to sell!
I didn't really need a new bathrobe.  My old one was okay... not as pretty and lush... but still okay.
After a long pause, a pretty pink one went in my cart.

For some reason, I didn't use it right away; it hung, tags still attached, in my closet.



On the first of December... in the gathering space of our church...
The Giving Tree stood in the center.
As I wandered over,  I saw that most of the ornaments were pulled off at the center and near the top...
Since there were many on the bottom, I reached down and pulled off a paper tag from deep in the tree.
On it was written
~ Ladies Bathrobe ~

I froze, there on my knees, at the foot of The Giving Tree...
...that, for a moment, was connecting me to Heaven...
~ Ladies Bathrobe ~
A pink one
meant for giving
was already hanging in my closet...

That week, I bought matching pajamas and slippers and wrapped them with the robe ~ nice and pretty.
With a full heart and tears in my eyes, I left the gift under the Tree...
...but the real Gift that Christmas, was the one born in my heart...



Christmas morning came two weeks later.

There, under our tree, were two large boxes wrapped by my husband, Chris.
There was a box for each of us;
I opened mine slowly ~ with anticipation.
Inside were the lush bathrobes from Geneva-On-The-Lake.
He had called and ordered them in August, a month after our anniversary;
he thought this would be a  
Grand Christmas surprise.

...The universe came full circle that day...

Thank you for taking the time to read this story.
For me, it is one I will always remember and cherish in my heart.
~Merry Christmas~


© Maria @ Calm-Energy




19 comments:

  1. you are sooo beautiful. i appreciate your corner in the www. xoxo

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  2. Your full circle day story warmed my heart and brought tears to my eyes Maria. Your unselfish deed and the loving actions of your husband make for a wonderful story and marriage!

    Have a Joyful Christmas!
    Wanda

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  3. Now that's what I call a "God moment"...such great plans He has for us if only we will listen like you did! Very touching story.

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  4. This is a beautiful post. It made me teary. The world needs more kind hearts like yours.

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  5. What a wonderful story, there really is magic at Christmas.

    Sue

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  6. Beautiful! What a blessing!

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  7. A good lesson for us all, Marie - sometimes a sacrifice becomes our reward. My heart is full thinking of the Master Plan behind those wonderful gifts.

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  8. Maria - what a beautiful, moving story. It makes me weep. Just think of the Father orchestrating all of those things - and your tender, obedient heart.
    Have you seen the Christmas Change blog? I think you should share this story there.
    Here is the address (if you are interested):
    http://www.christmaschange.com/wordpress/

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  9. Oh Maria...what a amazingly wonderful story filled with such Joy and meaning. Your heart is as big as a mountain! Your story gave me goosebumps! Thank you my friend I needed this tonight. xoxo

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  10. Hey dear Maria, if you are the ONLY one I have who does the MckLinky thingie, it will be worth it--just for this story. How very precious and my dear readers and friends will get to read it. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story. Dianne

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  11. Thanks for the nice comments! It is so fun to visit other blogs and see the pretty decorations! Looks like you have a lot of snow too!

    Merry Christmas!

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  12. Maria...thank you so much for your lovely supportive words you left on my blog about our beloved Rosie. We do miss her so so much...my girls are very sad. Your words brightened my day...thank you so much my friend for being here for me. xoxoxoxo

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  13. Hi there, thanks for your visit to my blog Maria and the kindness. Come say hi any time :D

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  14. Aww...here it is, late at night, and you've gone and made me cry.
    What a sweet story! Isn't it amazing how wonderfully the Lord orchestrates our lives? He is so good.

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  15. Peaking at your blog today and what a wonderful full circle story:) Moments like that kinda give you a good chill up and down your spine. Merry Christmas.
    Joyce

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  16. Such an incredible story , Maria. Really.
    It doesn't get much better .

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  17. Jacquelene L.December 19, 2009

    Thank you for sharing this beautiful story. I and my family have in the past been on the receiving end of thoughtful gifts from a giving tree. I just wanted to let you know how much it meant to us to receive this kind of sharing, caring and loving kindness in times of hardship. Praise God that you followed His guidance. Continue in His love.

    Jacquelene L.
    P.S. I found your blog through Tablescape Thursday.

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Thank you for stopping by! Your comments add sunshine to my day~