~ My Green Room ~: A wonderful gift may not be wrapped as you expect.

...encourage each other every day, while you still have something called “today.”

― Hebrews 3:13, ERV

The best gifts we can ever receive in this world are immaterial. Not sure if this is true for everyone but for me, it is. I am not the kind who expects to receive stuff whenever there are special occasions, though, I tend to express lavished appreciation for even the small presents handed to me. Y'know, like a lil child given a balloon ― all smiles and wide-eyed. ^_^

Material things get lost, can fade, wear out, break... but what remains forever are gifts that cannot be seen, cannot be touched, cannot be heard, cannot be tasted but can move the heart. They become a part of you. They help you see yourself better than yesterday. They add value to your substance. They're not seen by the naked eye but can be felt by the heart.

If there is anything that I am most thankful for is that people give me the gift of TRUST. You know your own efforts, determination and perseverance. Fact is, it seems that it's only you who know about them. Most of the time, they even go unnoticed, neglected, ignored. You'd even resent that, in stead, you're treated as if non-existent or simply unappreciated by the way people act or react toward you. That often hurts and you'd feel like there's no point in continuing. But, it's really not the credit that you're after. When you function in love, act of service is but automatic. So, you go on. Then, just when you most needed it, the gift is given you. It's like a glass of cold water under the scorching heat of the sun.

It's the same comfort anyone can receive through APPRECIATION. When no one seems to mind what hard work you've put into something, it gets exhausting. Like a fuel is to an engine, this gift is somewhat a necessity in any person's life. It's a lift when you're so down and feel like giving up. Guess everyone needs a tap on the back from time to time to know they're doing a good job as insecurity can really creep in whenever things aren't going your way. Appreciation is like a blanket on a chilly night.

No matter how tough the things we face, for as long as we receive these two abstract gifts, we are revived. People are for people. We're created for each other not against each other. It is important that we practice appreciating and trusting for these things can heal a doubtful soul. Often, when everything seems to keep failing despite your best effort, you want to just accept defeat. But, when you know that there are people banking on you, it makes you strive more no matter how you're emotionally tortured. These are priceless gifts everyone longs for but cannot be begged. These are gifts better given voluntarily from the heart. Gifts incomparable to any gadget, accessories, etc. They speak more than the value of PSP, iPad, car, what-have-you. They enlarge the heart.

LOVE is expressed through these gifts and that's what make them extra special. I thank everyone who filled my heart with joy through these gifts on the week of my birth anniversary. ^_^ I am so blessed.