4 January 2026

As Disciple sat in Church today, listening to heartfelt testimonies, her mind wandered. NOT that this is uncommon. It is not. The minds of those in The Hermitage wander around in various places frequently. Half the time when someone is talking in The Hermitage, a frequent word is, “What?” This is due to the fact that everyone is wandering in their own little worlds, far from real time, thinking about projects, things that need to be addressed, or just plain pondering.

Disciple started thinking about “gifts.” Queen received a gift that was given to someone else because the youngest grandson just read the “To:” part of the tag, which read, “Mom,” but neglected to read the “From:” part, which read, “Mike.” The error was immediately corrected. 

A beautiful gift was received last week from Amazon. It caused a conundrum for about 20 minutes. No one knew WHO sent it. The weeks have been hectic, time flew on, with many other things as well. Daughter-in-law and Youngest Grandson were here, in fact, she received it from the Amazon delivery guy out at the curb when he arrived. When this beautiful gift was opened, both DIL and Queen were shocked and befuddled. Youngest Grandson, in the middle of the confusion, suggested the obvious person who sent it. Queen and DIL both adamantly said, “NO!” at the same time. Then, Queen’s phone rang, and looking at who was calling, she immediately remembered the phone call from the week before that came in all Christmas and HOA confusion, and knew who the beautiful gift was from. 

Over the years we have ALL received gifts; wedding gifts, shower gifts, birthday gifts, some from family, some from friends, some from “secret sisters,” some from admirers (secret and otherwise), white elephants and exchanges, etc. Some gifts were surprises, others for a reason. 

And so, Disciple pondered “gifts” as she sat in the Chapel. She realized that it will be four months tomorrow that The Hermitage received an unexpected “gift” and none of us has been the same since. She has discussed these thoughts with the others here at The Hermitage. 

Every day is a brand new “GIFT.” Every day that new gift is opened… Hopefully. It is rarely the same gift as the one before. This gift comes in all sizes, colors, shapes, etc. As we open each gift we may say, “WHOA!!! This isn’t mine!” “I don’t remember ordering this!” “WHO sent this?!” “This is the wrong color!” “This isn’t my size!” “I don’t need this!” “This wasn’t what I expected!” “What the heck?!” “Can I return this?” “Can I exchange this?” “Maybe I’ll give it to someone else.” “Perhaps I’ll use it at a gift exchange!” “What am I going to do with this?”

But that gift was picked for us personally by Him who knows exactly what we need and when on this journey. Each gift arrives on time and with a purpose. Each gift helps us to realize so much more than the actual gift. Sometimes, well most times, it brings other gifts. As we realize how the gift was meant for us, and ask the giver what was meant, lights go on. He will let us know exactly how to use each gift. He will answer ALL of our questions regarding each new gift. All we have to do is ask. It rarely helps to try and figure it out ourselves. He knows all things. 

So, each morning as you open your personal gift, remember who sent it and learn why. There is a reason. Hugs!