By Ruben Rivera©
Heavenly Minded & Earthly Good blog22 December 2011
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The gift that
was too big
too small
not the right color
not the famous brand
deemed obsolescent
in a society of planned obsolescence
The gift with
no material face value
like store coupons
that will get you half off
on milk and honey but are
not exchangeable for money
why don't they just give us the money
The gift waiting
in long lines for a refund or
exchanged for what we really want or
accepted from the giver with a diplomatic smile
then promptly disappeared like some political dissident
and years later we can say
with a straight face that we still have it
The gift from
that crazy God
crazy and crudely in love
like the child that makes a clay handprint
crude as all get out and wrapped even more crudely
yet the most cherished object on the parent's mantle
A crazy gift
for this crazy world
that has everything and nothing
the only gift you can
take with you
28 comments:
Thank you so much for guiding Me over here.It's my first time to this site.That gift...that deep abiding gift.Thank you for sharing your poem with me. Very much enjoyed.Denise
When your right man, your right on the money. I do so love this poem but of course ya knew I would.
The greatest gift of all...Jesus!
God bless, you and that lovely bride of yours have a bright and beautiful Christmas filled with the laughter of great friends, the love of family and a song in your heart!
MERRY CHRISTMAS YA'LL!!! :o)
Now that's a great Christmas post...and love the blog name!
Ruth
You did it. Heartfelt, hand-written, head revised, you mastered the gift of telling us about THE GIFT that never loses its value. PRAISE HIM!!!!! You are a gifted writer my dear beloved one.
MOI
Beautiful, Ruben!
Miss you both!!
Nancy
Dear Ruben,
How right you were. I do love this poem.. You are truly a gifted writer.. There is no greater gift than his love.
Wishing you and dearest Anita a warm and cozy holiday together...Merry Christmas Ruben, thank you so much for coming to visit.. I am so blessed to have you and Anita in my life.. You both have given me so much laughter and kindness.. I keep you both in my thoughts and prayers.
With great admiration and friendship
Penny
Yes, Anita is right, don't give up on sharing with us your brilliant writing. This is a fabulous piece you've shared with us Ruben. Thank you... this says it all doesn't it? The only gift we can take with us... it fills my eyes with tears and pierces my heart at the love God has for us to send us his Son... there are no words...
Merry Christmas to you and Anita. My world is so much better for having met both of you across these many miles. Sherry
I have goosebumps, Ruben.
How can this be?? Two poets in the family??? :) :)
I am in awe of your quotes...just incredible.
Faith is a powerful tool. I've learned this at the most turbulent times of my life...and happily, at the most wonderful times.
I just joined your site and look forward to returning to more beautiful, poetic works of art.
Wishing you and Anita a blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year~
Lisa xo
Well done Ruben
Wishing you a happy time with Anita at Christmas
Fayx
Amen !!!...merry christmas together with the most lovely beautiful woman of the world your Anita !!!...xxx..
A beautiful poem, Ruben! A unique take on this most-wonderful-of-all gifts! Would that everyone would "take it with"them!
Beautiful words Ruben.
Bless you!
Di
Ruben, Ruben.... just wonderful. What more can I say.
That;s IT isn't it Ruben? THE gift of Jesus, gave us hope, love, grace, forgiveness, and all the answers we will ever need to a life full of questions we can never answer.
Christmas blessings to you & Anita!
Sonja
Ruben~
I had to come back and comment on a quote:
"As a Christian I have long been humbled by the fact that I cannot prove a single religious doctrine that I consider universal. The only thing I can do is prove my faith by the goodness with which I treat others....."
This is simply beautiful and speaks volumes (to me).
I think your quotes are AMAZING you should complile them into a book. As I recall, someone in your family designs BEAUTIFUL books, doesn't she??? LOL
As a "quote fanatic" since I was a child, I am drawn to thought provoking quotes.
Your quotes are so WONDERFUL ... I find myself coming back to your site to read them over, and over, and over again. What a gift you have!!
PLEASE share more in the days ahead...
Thank you, also, for coming by and your lovely comments...you have no idea how much Anita means to me...this is only the BEGINNING for her with her incredible talents. :)
And yes, how fabulous would that be for you and Anita to come for a visit!!! There is plenty of room in this big, old house and you would be welcomed with open arms! Perhaps 2012????
Merry Christmas, my friend~
Lisa xo
Ruben!
This is wonderful!!!
Thank you for the gift of reflection on the most wondrous of gifts, that came to us in a lowly stable, so humble in origin and yet the most glorious gift this world has ever seen.
You know how much I love your wife don't you?!?!?!? You two are such a gift to each other, may your Christmas together be magical.
~ Violet
This is so beautiful, dear Ruben...
You and Anita are very precious gifts in my life..thank you!
You know I am a big fan of your writing, and I'll say again what a formidable team the two of you sweet souls are.
Blessings, Faith, Love, Peace I wish to both of you this Christmas.
Hugs,
- Irina
(And thank you so much for visiting me...hopefully we can arrange an "actual" visit soon:)))
Beautiful post! So, so, true! Wishing you and your beautiful wife a blessed Christmas!
Hello Ruben, you know I love your writing. This one is so right on the mark. Merry Christmas Ruben!
Peace, love and happiness, Bonnie
Simply, wondrously, beautiful..thank you..
Hi Ruben,
Your poem is wonderful and love that you and Anita are so very creative.
Warmest wishes to you both for a merry Christmas, wonderful relaxing holidays and a year ahead filled with happy days.
Peace, love &joy,
Carolyn
Hi, Ruben. What a lovely poem. I've snooped around some of your other blog posts and find your writing to be excellent. You certainly don't need any advice from me. Thanks for visiting injaynesworld. Wishing you a joyous new year.
He gave us all free will..to have faith in him! Bravon Ruben, he gave you the gift of words, written so poetically, perfectly, purposeful. I thouroughly enjoyed your writing. Wishing you, and Anita all the best in the upcoming year. XOXOX Christel
Rubedude.
Thank you for your comments.
I have been walking.
I like your poem.
TDA
What a beautiful message that is so poignant, yet so current. Thank you for sharing your gift with us.
Blessings,
Patti
Note how democratic is the earth. Today a respectable married couple sleeps on the same bit of ground that yesterday suffered a couple living in sin. Tomorrow a priest may sleep there, then a murderer, then a blacksmith, then a poet; and, like shipwrecked persons whose lifeboat has delivered them safely to shore, they will bless this bit of ground, for it gives them the illusion of security.
Happy New Year Ruben. It has been great meeting you in the dying moment of 2011. I hope you have a splendid last day of the year!
Di
x
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