Looking for a Special Gift?
With the unexpected snowfall last weekend, it got me thinking about the holiday shopping my wife, Amy will be doing again this year. (Less than 3 weeks until Black Friday!)
Notice how I said that “my wife” will be doing it? Quite honesty, the shopping part of the holidays is my least favorite part. Plus, she always does an excellent job and meets our budget every time. In reality, my contribution is usually just funding the effort, acting as a sounding board for gift ideas and babysitting the kids while my wife goes store to store. It is a partnership, but I think I am getting off pretty easy. In some ways, I blame my lack of participation on how commercial the holidays have become and how we have forgotten what this time of year is really about. Finding a “meaningful” Christian gift in the mainstream stores can be pretty difficult at times. Sure, they are out there… but who wants to search more then you have to. This is shopping, not a search and rescue mission!
For years, I have worked in Latham, NY in the British American business park, each day driving by Peter Harris Plaza on Route 7. Over the last year, I discovered a treasure that is tucked away in that plaza. A store called the Living Word Parable Christian store. This small but spacious store has a variety of Christian related items including music, DVD’s, books, home decorations, cards, bibles, software, jewelry and many other wonderful gift ideas at reasonable prices. One visit and you will truly see the difference when shopping for that special gift for that special person. These stores are an association of independent retailers that are locally owned and operated by people who love the Lord and consider their business a ministry to their community. They also believe that Christ-centered products can change people’s lives, so they build relationships with publishers, music companies and manufacturers who share the same vision.
Personally, I visit the store weekly….sometimes to buy an item for the house or a birthday gift, or just to “refuel” and refocus during my lunch hour. It has become a refuge from my hectic work schedule, keeping me grounded with Christian messages. Even Amy and the kids love going to the store. In fact, after reading this, Amy advised me that things are going to be different this holiday shopping season.
When I asked “different how” she said “for starters, now that you have a store you like, you’re helping with the Christmas shopping…no more excuses!”
My apologies to the men who now have to go shopping this holiday season as a result of post… 🙂
Issue 3