Jim Daly

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The Long Walk

6

In the midst of your shopping, decorating, card writing and the cooking and baking – before you get frazzled and frayed in the days leading up to Christmas – I want to share an old story with you. In the telling, I pray you might allow it to influence your decisions and activities these next few weeks.longwalk.jpg

Some time ago there was an American missionary living in a very tiny African village. The young woman was a teacher who labored alongside the natives.  One Christmas Eve a little boy from the missionary’s class proudly brought her a crudely wrapped gift. The teacher was surprised. This little boy was poor.

What could he possibly give?

The teacher unwrapped the present and found within the crumpled brown paper an exquisite seashell. The missionary, knowing that the only place to find such shells was many rugged miles away, expressed her enthusiastic appreciation.

“My goodness,” she told him, “you’ve traveled so far to bring me such a wonderful present.”

At first the boy appeared surprised by her reaction, but his eyes quickly brightened and a wide smile crept across his small face.

“Oh, teacher,” he explained, “long walk part of gift.”

It might be tempting, especially during these next few weeks, to believe what the marketers are trying to tell and sell us – that the “perfect” gift will make for a perfect Christmas.

Don’t believe it.seashell1.jpg

As this little boy taught his teacher – and reminds me and you – it’s not the gift that really matters – it’s the effort, thought and love behind the giving of the gift itself.

Even if you navigate these next few weeks with the right spirit and attitude befitting the celebration of the world’s greatest birthday, you might still find yourself weary and worn out.  If you do, don’t despair. Just remember the wonderful words of that little boy, words that I pray might echo down through the years:

“Long walk part of gift.”

Amen?

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Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, events, family December 3, 2010 by Jim Daly

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Leave a Comment

yuki and duncan More than 1 year ago

Jim,We seem to take a lot of long walks and find only a few shells.  We are hoping the shell become more plentiful and the walks more enjoyable.  We look forward to seeing you in San Diego Thursday night for the Celebration and Lord willing to share a moment together.

Blessings,Yuki and Duncan

Jeanne More than 1 year ago

My daughter is taking that long walk right now to make a celibratory life for 6 beautiful children.  Three of which she has accepted in her life to help bring up under God's authority.  This road is rough and and full of shells.  God just let her find that beautiful shell and make that journey  back into the family to her husband and children.  Pray for her that God will rule over the devil and evil shall be defeated.  The walk she has taken for them willbe part of the gift.  God bless our families.

Laurie N. More than 1 year ago

Thank you Mr. Daly for your words of encouragement in these times of me...Me...ME!What a wonderful reminder of the value of 'time given' in any endeavor, but especially those involving our hearts.

Carinda W. More than 1 year ago

Yes , this is a story that we all can relate to, so many times we get caught up in all the busyness of the season of Christmas when really we need to focus ourselves on Him our Savior and Lord and what His good purposes are for in our lives lived out daily with each other., in true fellowship together in worship, song and praise of our Christ in Christmas!Letting our lives shine out as the light of Savior shines forth in our walk into Eternity with Him!!  Thankfully In Christ  May He Our God be the Glory Always!!

Jim_Daly More than 1 year ago

Thank you, Debbie.  What an encourager you are! Please let us know how we might pray for you and your family in the days to come. God bless you!

Debbie K. More than 1 year ago

Jim, thanks so much for this wonderful story...it's so true and one I'm sure I'll share with others in the future.  I just wanted to let you know that I am really enjoying reading your posts and keeping up with Focus on the Family.  I think God's really going to use you in this position in the future!  Good luck and God bless...

Jim-Daly President of Focus on the Family
Jim Daly

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Daly Focus

Jim-Daly Jim Daly is a husband, father and President of Focus on the Family and host of its National Radio Hall of Fame broadcast. His blog, Daly Focus, is full of timely commentary and wisdom designed to help you navigate and understand today’s culture. His latest book is Marriage Done Right.

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