Rites of Passage — Column by Mark Martinez
“That’s mine! … No, I think it’s mine! … It has my name on it … There’s no name on it, it must be mine!”
Any idea what this sounds like? I’m certain at least 9 out of 10 of you guessed it sounds like Christmas morning. Gifts under the tree, beautifully wrapped, eager anticipation of young children in awe and wonder of what they are about to receive. Yet, no matter what is received, and how much is received, there is always the longing for more.
“Is that all? … Are there any others? … Wait, has that one been opened yet?”
It’s normal to expect that behavior from a child, with nothing more than a thank you and hug as gratitude in return. But what about as an adult?
The Bible records the story in Luke 17:11-19 of Jesus healing 10 lepers. They all wanted the same thing: Jesus’ mercy. They knew that He was the only one capable of giving them something that nobody else could. They also knew that mercy granted meant physical healing. Jesus knew what they needed. Yet, upon “gifting” them their desire, only one came back to show appreciation.
Some, if not many, people never mature out of the “me/mine” attitude in life. They are always looking for what they can get from someone, with little consideration of showing thanks. Is there any irony in the fact that our holiday of Thanksgiving is separated by less than 30 days from celebrating the greatest gift ever given to mankind, the gift of Jesus?
In our tech infused, on demand, short attention span world we live in, most of the thanks received will typically be in the form of an e-mail, text message, or DM. How hard is it to send that? Compare that with the thought, time, and cost of delivering the gift that was given.
Young teens, I want to encourage you to do something different this Christmas season. When you receive gift(s) from your parents and family members, take the seven days between Christmas and New Years and write a handwritten thank you note to the giver of your gifts. If you need help with cards and stamps, ask a parent to help you with this. I’m confident it will be the only note that the gift giver will receive this season.
What does a handwritten note accomplish? Consider the following:
- It forces you, the writer, to pause and consider the sacrifice that the gift giver made for you;
- It pleases the heart of the gift giver to know that their gesture towards you is appreciated;
- It sets you apart from everyone else who does not show this type of gratitude.
Since this column is about rites of passage, this is just another example which marks the transition from childhood into adulthood. When your focus becomes less on self-indulgence and gratification, and more on gratitude towards those that help you, these are the actions which represent what it means to be an adult.
Whether you are a teen or a grown adult, let’s let this holiday season be one in which you choose to take this step and express your appreciation to others not only through words or electronic messaging, but by taking the time to do what most people won’t. Remember, Jesus gave a special blessing to that one leper who returned to offer thanks for the healing: “Stand up and go; your faith has made you well.”
