The season of giving

Christmas is a season of gifting. Our expectations are often satisfied by electronic and other technology gifts. But there are gifts that each of us receive throughout our lives that are more important than anything that can be placed under the Christmas tree or received in an envelope.

I am at the stage in my life where I can look back and reflect on those very important gifts that have literally guided and/or changed my life. First of all, my thanks go to my parents and siblings that guided and helped shape my early life. Along with what took place at home, education was a very important part of my life, from the elementary level to the university level. My life would have been unfulfilled without the teachers, professors and, in some cases, classmates who befriended me and helped me along. I am thoroughly indebted to all who helped my intellect develop as it did. Education may begin in the classroom, but what is learned is applied in real life.

I also look back at the multitude of individuals and experiences that kept the education process moving along, even after formal schooling. I came to realize, long ago, that life itself is a learning process. Even the most innocuous or simple experience can provide knowledge that we did not have before and may not even realize we have received.

One also learns through sharing life with family, and I thank my wife and sons for their positive influence on my life.

Thanks be to God whose gift to all of us is life, and the love that surpasses all gifts.

So in this season of giving, let us remember those that have given us gifts that cannot be bought, but are indeed among the most precious we have received.

GEORGE WILKEN

Little Rock