My family knows well by now just how to "gift" me at Christmas: Music and books.
Music: Michael W. Smith's newest "Glory" CD (a collection that will make you weep with its sheer beauty and ... glory ...) Andrea Bocelli's new "Concerto: One Night in Central Park" (his incredible voice is a gift to the entire world) ... "The Essential Yo-Yo Ma" (one of my favorite musicians) ... "The Symphonic Celtic Album" (The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra--a new and wonderful discovery for me) ... and others. My iTunes library is going to be so bloated.
And books, of course: a pre-order for Dean Koontz's new novel, (77 Shadow Street) ... a couple of other new novels and Christmas short story collections transferred to my Kindle Fire.
The best of all family gifts, of course, was their presence--the warmth and love and laughter and memories--oh, the memories! Thanking God for all the gifts, especially those that go on shining, those that endure, through every season.
God bless you with the lasting gifts!
BJ
