I have a friend whose gift is story telling. He doesn't even seem to be aware of this talent for telling truthful tales and yet in such memorable terms as to be legendary. Everyone who comes into contact with him finds it difficult to forget that connection they feel when he shares stories of commiseration and information.
One of my favorite tales he tells is about his father. It is more of an anecdote than a story but it is appropriate to remember this one on Father's day weekend. While many of us have tales shared from depression era parents, this one will strike a chord with all that hear it.
My friend describes that in his house (and probably in yours or your grand parent's houses as well) his father kept a candy dish. During his child hood he describes that his father always kept that candy dish filled with "Starlight Mints." As his father plucked a mint from the dish he would say "Christmas every day." He puzzled over this small eccentricity for years. One day his curiosity overcome his reluctance to question this man whose defining characteristic was stoicism and authority. "Dad, why do you keep a dish of mints in the kitchen and what does Christmas every day mean?". His dad proceeded to explain that when he was a child he always looked forward to Christmas. He, like many of our parents and grand parents had lived during the great depression. He goes on to describe his joy at Christmas when his only present was an orange or a candy cane. No electronics, no toys, or even clothes. One piece of fruit, and maybe one piece of candy. "That is why I keep candy in the dish, to remind me that now, every day is Christmas for me" said the dad.
The lesson is easy enough to see. This father convincingly taught his son a lesson about the sliding scale of what we value. Human beings have this capacity to "get used to" things. We take them for granted because of what becomes normal. An ample supply of anything causes us to lower its value. When God forgives us with Grace unlimited, we look around and see this abundant supply and begin to cheapen it because of its accessibility. "Just because Grace is free" says the cliche "doesn't mean it is cheap." Just remember as you bow to pray today, it is only because of His Grace that for all believers it is truly "Christmas every day"!
