The Magi.



   How many times do we put our own selfish needs before those of others? All too often. Though we may claim that we are "willing to give up the world" for another soul, do we really mean that? If true happiness and unconditional love are rare treasures, how many of us actually seek them out? How many of us actually care about finding them? How many of us, once we have found them, take them for granted?

(link to story) The Gift of the Magi

   The Gift of the Magi tells a beautiful story. Both Della and Jim sacrifice what they love most in the world so that they may afford the "prefect gift" for one another. Della sells her long, elegant, brown hair in exchange for money to buy a chain for her husband's pocket watch. Jim sells his family heirloom, the golden pocket watch (which he loved dearly and was never seen without), to buy a set of gorgeous, turquoise combs for his wife's luscious hair.

   On Christmas day, the two exchange gifts and realize what has happened. They have sacrificed what they loved most so that they may show their affection towards one another. However, neither can actually use the gifts they have bought for one another. The two of them had no money whatsoever, but they realized they  had love and wisdom. Of all the people who give gifts during the holiday season, they are the wisest of them all.

   Della and Jim are a perfect example of people who truly understand the art of gift-giving. They were willing to put the needs of others before their own. They were willing to sacrifice their most prized possessions because they truly loved one another. They found that although their gifts could not be used, they were far greater than any other gift anyone else could receive or give. 

   While Della and Jim had little to nothing on that Christmas, they were richer than any person I know. They had each other. They had more than most people do these days, and they were thankful for what they did have. Della and Jim gave and received the most precious gift of all. The two of them are far wiser than anyone shopping this holiday season. They are indeed, the magi.