Lying on my table in front of me right now is an unopened gift. Its not a birthday gift(my birthday's in October, a long way away). Neither was it an appreciation gift for something I did. It was no special occasion; It was neither Christmas nor any other occasion where people exchange gifts. It was not the giver's birthday, and she did not win the lottery or get a windfall. Nay, it was a simple act of love extended towards all the youth(and some oldies *cough*faith*cough*) in the church. It was not only for a few select people that she really loved and cared for. It was for everyone. The gift wasn't something extremely special. It was but a few sweets in a transparent wrapper, lovingly tied together with a bright red ribbon. A straightforward, uncalled for act of love directed to the ones she loved(almost everyone). A gift when none is expected, for no reason whatsoever is the best gift, many people have told me. And how true that is. I, for one, am not one to give gifts. I am lazy bugger, even during Christmas and birthdays i hardly give anyone anything more than a signed card. Yet, here was someone who got up early to prepare gifts for so many people, just because.

Some may call her young, other naive, and still others flighty. But the fact is this : it is in the mind of someone so young, pure and innocent to the point of naivity that an idea for such a simple but great act of love was formed. We may claim to be older, wiser, and much less naive. But when was the last time we did someone for someone, on no special occasion, not expecting anything in return? And what's more, to people you don't even know all that well? Its easy to buy and do things for people we know and love so much(boyfriends, girlfriends, spouses, best friends...), but what about those we don't know so well? Maybe you have, but i for one, no matter how long i search in my memory, am unable to remember a time when i performed such an act of love.

People like that inspire me to do something more with my life. They need not be famous people, elders or pastors. Simple, everyday people that you can really see the love of God in them. These are the ones i really admire.

Matthew 18:2-4

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.