The Gift

Her ‘Shirley Temple’ curls were bouncing as she walked with determination to where she was going. She had a mission in mind, and no one was going to get in her way. The golden coin, given to her this morning from her Nanny firmly clasped in her little hand, was not going out of her sight until she had placed it where it was meant to be. She had seen them in the window of the bank when she went with her mother. Their joyful look that seemed to say “Take me home.” 

She had asked “What are those?” “Piggy Banks.” “What are Piggy Banks? What are they for?” “They are a container to bank coins for safe keeping. Every time there is spare change it can be deposited into the slit at the top. The coins are safely stored until the piggy bank is completely full.” “What happens to it when it is full?” “We take it to the bank for them to open, count the coins and then deposit them into our account at the bank. Or it could be used for something special we are saving up for, but it is much better to put in the bank, so it continues to grow. “ 

The little girl pondered on what her mother told her and it occurred to her that even if she did have one of those piggy banks, she didn’t have any coins to put in it if she did. 

It was this conversation that she had with her Nanny. “Well, it just so happens I have a little something for you. Nanny went away; the little girl waited obediently on the warm step where they had been sitting taking in the morning sun. “Here we are, I knew I had one somewhere.” There, held proudly between thumb and forefinger was a beautiful golden coin, almost glinting in the sunlight. The little girl’s eyes lit up as she realised Nanny was handing it to her. “A gift” Nanny said “for being such a wonderful help cleaning up after breakfast.” The radiant delight written across the little girl’s face spoke a thousand words. This was truly a welcome gift. 

Then a look of determination, a swivel on her heel as she started down the path to the pavement. “Where are you going?” “To the bank to get a piggy bank.” Coin held tight, her sights on her destination, Nanny barely had time to grab her bag and race after her.

“There they are!” the little girl said as the golden piggy banks almost seemed to call her name. In they went, Nanny gently encouraged her to ask the bank teller what she wanted. As the piggy bank was handed over the counter to the little girl, with a smile, she was holding her breath with joy, anticipation and delight. This was hers, another gift today to put her golden coin into. 

Every person passing them on their journey home smiled at the little girl clutching her piggy bank with the largest smile and a skip in her step. 

As I looked outside this morning at the beautiful sky, the changing colours of the leaves ranging from golds to deep reds and hints of orange, just like the little girl clutching her piggy bank, I am so thankful for the gifts of; creation, salvation and life, the gift of love, the gift of dear friends, family and fellowship, the gift of peace and joy, the gift of good health and well-being, the gift of provision, the gift of creativity.   "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights..." Thank you.