Twelve Gifts

I just finished reading The Ultimate Gift, which is actually a movie, written by Jim Stovall. (Rene Gutteridge wrote the novelization. That is important since her name is on the book cover.) Basically, Jason has to earn his inheritance from his billionaire grandfather by completing a series of tests or “gifts”. If he fails any of them, Jason loses everything.  If he successfully completes the tests, the ultimate gift will be his.  First, Jason is depleted of his extravagant lifestyle and has to begin his life again as a homeless person. “You don’t begin to live until you’ve lost everything.” This reminder is sent to Jason from Grandfather Red. Words from beyond the grave. Except Red used a video recorder.


As soon as Jason meets a little girl with leukemia I knew this had to be one of those Hallmark Hall of Fame movies. Tissues in hand I sobbed through the predictable plot to the end. It is a sweet story and I thank Stovall for reminding me about the twelve gifts.

The Gift of Work: He who loves his work never labors.

The Gift of Money: Money is nothing more than a tool. It can be a force of good, a force of evil, or simply be idle.


The Gift of Learning: Education is a lifelong journey whose destination expands as you travel.


The Gift of Problems: Problems can only be avoided by exercising good judgment … Good judgment can only be attained by experiencing life’s problems.


The Gift of Family: Some people are born into wonderful families. Others have to find or create them. Being a member of a family is a priceless privilege that costs nothing but love.


The Gift of Laughter: Laughter is good medicine for the soul. Our world is desperately in need of more such medicine.


The Gift of Dreams: Faith is all that dreamers need to see the future.


The Gift of Giving: The only way you can truly get more out of life for yourself is to give part of yourself away.


The Gift of Gratitude: In those times when we yearn to have more in our lives, we should dwell on the things we already have. In doing so, we will often times find that our lives are already full to overflowing.


The Gift of a Day: Life at its essence boils down to one day at a time. Today is the day!


The Gift of Love: Love is a treasure for which we can never pay. The only way we keep it is to give it away.