According to legend, a young man while roaming the desert came across a spring of delicious crystal-clear water. The water was so sweet he filled his leather canteen so he could bring some back to a tribal elder who had been his teacher. After a four-day journey he presented the water to the old man who took a deep drink, smiled warmly and thanked his student lavishly for the sweet water. The young man returned to his village with a happy heart. Later, the teacher let another student taste the water. He spat it out, saying it was awful. It apparently had become stale because of the old leather container. The student challenged his teacher: "Master, the water was foul. Why did you pretend to like it?" The teacher replied, "You only tasted the water. I tasted the gift. The water was simply the container for an act of loving-kindness and nothing could be sweeter. Heartfelt gifts deserve the return gift of gratitude." I think we understand this lesson best when we receive innocent gifts of love from young children. Whether it's a ceramic tray or a macaroni bracelet, the natural and proper response is appreciation and expressed thankfulness because we love the idea within the gift. Gratitude doesn't always come naturally. Unfortunately, most children and many adults value only the thing given rather than the feeling embodied in it. We should remind ourselves and teach our children about the beauty and purity of feelings and expressions of gratitude. After all, gifts from the heart are really gifts of the heart.

Michael Josephson 

Its the thought that counts .

But I hate socks and jocks as Christmas presents .

Last year I was priveleged to receive the most wonderful presents I have ever had.

On Fathers Day last year my 9 year old son and my 11 year old daughter gave me hand made cards. The words made me catch my breath and brought tears to my eyes. I had been away in England for some months, away from them and from my baby daughter Kira. My son wrote "To the best daddy in the world." and my daughter wrote "I love you daddy, you are my best friend."

On November 4th 2006 Grezzzy gave me an equally special gift when she accepted the engagement ring I had bought for her. I am so very happy and proud that she is my fiance, and will be my wife.

The same basic value in those gifts was one simple thing...love...and what a wonderful gift it is.

Greer