48. Sharing quality time is a great gift.

There is one question that I am asked by my wife twice every year. Before Christmas and my birthday, Darlene always asks me, “What (gift) do I want?" My answer is always the same - "nothing!" Of course, this response is not very helpful, but the simple truth is that I am a person with no material wants. If I find that there is something that I do want or need, I will just buy it. If I need a new pair of jeans or a jacket or I want to buy a good book to read or a magazine, I just go out and get it. 

I am often faced with the same conundrum when it comes to buying for the grandkids or for my wife on special occasions throughout the year. I am kind of convinced that this is a trait shared by most of my male friends. I have no idea what my 13 and 15 year-old grandkids would like and Darlene already has multiple sets of everything (at least in my opinion). So purchasing a gift is a real problem for me. 

If I was forced to select a gift to receive, I would like to have the opportunity to spend some quality time with the gift giver. How about a minimum of two hours to get together and share a drink or meal without any distractions or interferences. When I do meet someone for  breakfast or lunch and a lengthy conversation, I always feel good when we have finished. Isn't that the best kind of gift? So if for any reason you feel the need to give me a gift, sharing time with you would be my number one choice. 

Other ways to spend time together do not necessarily include a meal but …  I also enjoy going for a walk in a park or along the Bow River with a friend. Take a short car trip to explore some of the wonderful scenery that we are so blessed to have on our doorstep. Any time we can share a drive to Canmore or Banff, or to Kananaskis Park or down to Longview, and the connecting Highwood Pass, it is a great gift. 

In today's world, we have learned to associate gifts with material goods. In my world, the personal gift of time and sharing are far more valuable than any pair of socks could ever be! How about you?