Fr. Jerry M. Orbos, SVD writes this story in his book, “Just A Moment."
"The story is told about three brothers, who after years of hard work and leading busy lives, wanted to make their 83-year-old mother happy, especially on Christmas Day. To make up for the years when they neglected her and took her for granted, the eldest gifted her with a big house. The second son surprised her with a limousine, and the youngest gifted her with an expensive parrot that can recite the whole Bible.
"After the holidays, they received a thank you note from their mother. To the first one she wrote: “Thank you for the house, but it is so big I can’t clean it myself. “ To the second son she wrote, “The car is so beautiful but I can never use it because I have nowhere to go.” To the youngest, she scribbled, ”You gave me the best gift . The chicken was delicious.”
The story might be humorous, but there’s a moral lesson behind it — what counts most is not the present but the presence of our loved ones.
I am reminded of a tenant who worked in the U.S . for five years. After her work contract expired, she came home. She found that her eldest son was indifferent and tried to distance himself from her. When she had the chance to talk to him he said, “You think that I was happy with the gifts and dollars that you sent? What I need is your presence!”
Writer Carrie Rocha of “www.pocketyourdollar.com”, commented, "Your presence is more valuable than your presents. I am talking about giving your loved-ones two very specific, very reasonable, very free things:
Give your attention. Your attention is your rarest commodity. A treasure. Give that treasure like you would a precious gemstone to those whom you treasure. Your attention is more valuable than your time because you can exist in a moment, but miss the experience of it. If your loved ones don’t have your attention, then they don’t have you.
Give your appreciation. Simple phrases like,” Thank you”, “My life is better because you are in it,” ”I love you,”, can heal wounds, fuel fires and reignite passions where embers once burned dim.
Make it your mission to mention and enjoy the magnificent qualities you see in others. Mix those emotions with a deep respect and you’ll communicate admiration. Notice the unique talents, abilities, character and qualities of those around you. Then point them out. Your words may work a miracle.
Stop the frantic pace. Stop the disengagement. Stop the fault finding. Instead, give your presence to your loved ones, in doing so you make their day.
As Van Harden once said, "The best times we’ve had on earth are usually with those we love.”