Think about the last time you gave a gift to someone you really care about. Maybe it was a Christmas present for a friend, an anniversary gift for your spouse, or a birthday present for your child. Whatever the circumstances, it’s likely that you intended that gift to be an expression of your care and love for that person.

A few years ago, my (Mike’s) wife made me a blanket out of a bunch of my favorite old band t-shirts. Every time I see the blanket in my office, I’m reminded of how much time and care and effort went into making that gift. I really treasure the gift—not just because it’s the perfect size and weight for a blanket, but because Karen made it for me as an expression of her love.

What if I loved the blanket but never connected it back to Karen in my heart? What if I enjoyed the gift whenever I was reading a book and my office was a bit chilly, but I never thought of her and her kindness and love? Would you think that the purpose of the gift had been fully achieved? On one level, the blanket keeps me warm,


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