One of my daughters and I had a conversation this week that brought back memories.  She asked me what gift I received that was most memorable.  I asked if she meant the most memorable in a positive way.  She laughed and said, just most memorable. 

Important to the story is my mother was very good at giving gifts.  Most of the time she nailed the assignment and brought joy to the receiver.  Excluding the year one of my brothers wanted land and she gave him a jar of dirt and a pencil box.  And of course, my 16th birthday.

On my 13th birthday she “hit the ball out of the park” with a birthstone ring.  My first adult-like piece of jewelry and it was a total surprise.  That gift was way above any expectations.  The following few birthdays were normal gifts, most likely an outfit that she thought I would enjoy.  I usually loved her choice.  Then came my 16th birthday.  I was not expecting something extravagant, but I was thinking it would be a fun outfit or a piece of jewelry. 

I received two items for my 16th birthday, one of which I don’t think I ever wore and the other I don’t believe I opened until the conversation with my daughter this past week.  Out of respect, I highly doubt my mother was aware of my disappointment with the gifts.    

My first gift which I received with gratitude was a jeans skirt that didn’t seem to measure up to my mother’s typical fashion sense.  The second gift was a bible.  In my head, I must admit I was thinking… is this my birthday gift or punishment? 

Although I enjoy reading now, I did not enjoy reading when I was younger.  I had great respect for the Bible, but zero interest in reading a rather large book with tiny print and difficult words.   

At 16 years old I was making my decisions based on faith, but I chose to keep that very personal.  My mother had no idea of the depth of my faith.  She wrote this beautiful note on the front cover of the Bible she gave me, “I chose to give you this book so that as you become familiar with the Lord’s word it will guide you and bless you throughout your lifetime.”  She knew the knowledge I was lacking and what I would need for my future.

I wasn’t prepared to receive a bible as a gift at age 16.  But my mother knew the book would be important to me and would guide me.  I still don’t understand everything I read in the Bible.   I do, however, find strength in reading passages daily. 

Oddly, I have been reading a different version of the Bible throughout my lifetime.  But the moment my daughter asked me about my most memorable gift, my thoughts went back to the Bible I received on my 16th birthday.    

On that special birthday, my mother gave me the gift that was closest to her heart.  I was nice and grateful but totally unimpressed at age 16.  I was now reopening the cover of the book I had received so many years ago with a different understanding of why this gift was so important for my mother to give to me.

I have always made the Bible available to my girls.  Leaving it in close proximity to them, but without the pressure of feeling like it is required reading.  For me, a bible is very personal and is something that I want to nurture and promote in a very positive and unthreatening way to those I love.

Ironically, a bible is on my daughter’s Christmas list.  She has outgrown her preteen version and is looking for an adult version she can highlight and study.  My girls know that I take a moment each night to read the Bible.  I am certain their grandmother is very happy to know that the special gift given to me years ago has indeed made a lasting impression.   

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