Struggling to be Christ like

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Kathleen18

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My family does a gift exchange for Christmas. The husband of my cousin, drew my name. I have known this guy for 5 years. While I acknowledge we both have a love for our dogs… There is more to me then my dog. his gift was shall we say awful…
  1. A stuffed toy that my dog could choke on
    2 An umbrella for my dog. Which we both agreed was ridiculous
  2. A candle that smells like dog vomit!!
    Please somebody help me see how to be Christlike in this!
 
Don’t take it personally! Return what you can. Conveniently lose other stuff and forget about it
 
If I didn’t pay for em I couldn’t care less. Personally, I would prefer some whiskey over trinkets.
 
It would be somewhat awkward if everyone know what you received,not so respectful…and yet it Was a gift,not an insult.I think don’t take it to heart and yes, just deal with the items when you can…pop them out .
 
Perhaps remember too that people often give what they would like to receive themselves !😀
 
I think I am more dissapointed in my reaction to them. I didnt show him how upset I was. But I feel that I shouldnt even be upset. And just acknowledge and move on. The vomit candle had me most upset. It was the bad choices. Not the price tag.
 
It is normal to be disappointed, even in receiving Christmas present, especially if you have a expectation or being serious in taking the situation.

Please do not feel too bad. We are called to be like Christ and sometimes it is just that - being called. Yes, we will be changed eventually by the power of the Holy Spirit, not our own. More importantly you are aware of the weakness and act on it accordingly. We take our disappointment with candor. We called that charity.

Have a blessed Christmas. 🙂
 
Well, know from wisdom (and experience) that “gift exchanges” will have these results. (I refuse to participate in “gift exchanges” outright, with a big: Sorry, not doing it).

Then, I have my chuckle. Not devoid of feeling on the socializing fringe.

Christian like, in this, would be reasonable and rational detachment of material goods. To realize the senselessness of the cram.

Christlike, would be to cease the opportunity at sensibly connecting with the person.
 
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Oh? So perhaps pray for a new way to connect with this gift giver?
 
I struggle to be Christ like daily. I stumble often.

I understand your disappointment, but carry on and don’t waste too much time dwelling on it - which might be easier said than done. Maybe your cousin meant well knowing how much you loved your dog.
 
Kathleen18 said:
So perhaps pray for a new way to connect with this gift giver?
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Kathleen18:
Which we both agreed was ridiculous
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Kathleen18 said:
I didnt show him how upset I was. But I feel that I shouldnt even be upset.
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As for kindness in human relations I think you did a splendid job. I really don’t know if regarding this specific situation there is anything left to pray for. Except, of course, to let go of any disappointment and what more of any resentment.

Personally, put in that place, I am always taken to think of those less fortunate. And ponder on the irony of Lazarus being justified. (Please don’t take this the wrong way, it is the usual exercise I have found at certain masses:“For those less fortunate than us, those without a roof, those without a family, those without…”)
 
Thank you. And no, I did not take that personally. It was a good reminder to be thankful. I know that I “shoot from the hip” on some things. And I am going to start praying for the grace of thankfulness. I thought I had it. But it obviously needs some work.
 
@Kathleen18 on a final note. I tend to pray passing by for the homeless. I pray for my friends in hardship. I pray for those in purgatory. I pray for those upset that cross my path. I pray for those sad.

In praying for my own person, I find no lack of reason and needs.

I think, this may be a case of praying for the husband of your cousin. For him to think about Lazarus.

[Rest assured I would have given you a book (of good taste) most likely catholic, especially chosen for what I had known of you. Most people tend to find books boring and bothersome…I am left wondering how many folks got disappointed by my gifts 😑]
 
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I am sure you have given gifts that were from a sincere desire to be of good use for the person. There is a difference between giving from generosity, and giving with a lack of consideration. But I digress…
 
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