Giving IS Better

by Will Wright

Joan spent last summer working at a dude ranch in the rugged and beautiful mountains of Idaho’s Sawtooth National Forest just north of Sun Valley. She still had three hundred dollars she had saved from the summer’s work. Not bad for a sixteen year old.

As Christmas approached, Joan spent several hours thinking of the exciting ways she could spend her savings. It was awkward having so much money to spend when her parents had so little for Christmas. Joan’s dad was still recovering from an expensive operation. Medical expenses had wiped out the family savings. So it was going to be a low budget Christmas this year. Joan told her parents they could use her money, but they wouldn’t consider the idea. “It’s your money, dear. You earned it; you spend it,” they said.

Joan’s father and her brothers loved snowmobiling. They did not own a snowmobile, but friends occasionally asked them to go along with them. For days after their snowmobiling trips, they would recount with laughter and delight the things they did and the scenes they saw. Whether it was flying at full speed across a snow-covered meadow or watching a herd of elk moving through the timber, their eyes sparkled, and their voices spoke in excited tones as they shared their snowmobiling experiences with the rest of the family.

About two weeks before Christmas, Joan heard her parents talking in low, serious tones in their bedroom. Joan did not want to eavesdrop, but she sensed something was wrong–she slipped closer to the door. Joan’s father was explaining that one of his friends needed to sell one of his snowmobiles. He was willing to let it go for less than half of its value–only three hundred dollars. Joan heard her mother say, “That is such a great deal; isn’t there some way we can spare the money for it?” They discussed things they could do, but it came down to the fact that if they bought the snowmobile, the children would not have Christmas presents. Finally, Joan’s father, in a disappointed voice said, “We just can’t do it; we will have to wait for another opportunity.”

Joan slipped back to her room. She could do it! She would be broke, but it was exciting to think she could make her parents’ dream come true. But what about the things she planned to buy for herself? Then think of the look on her parents’ and brothers’ faces when they saw the snowmobile in their front yard! What fun the family could have together on their own snowmobile! Joan tossed and turned in her bed that night. This was one of the hardest decisions she ever faced, and she could not discuss it with anyone. What to do?

When she woke up the next morning, Joan felt clam. All doubt was gone. She knew exactly what she wanted to do. Her spine tingled with excitement as she planned her strategy. She called her dad’s friend who wanted to sell the snowmobile. Yes, he would sell it to her for the same price – three hundred dollars. No, he would not tell anyone, so it would be a surprise. He said he and his sons would shine it up and place it in Joan’s front yard about midnight on Christmas Eve.

Joan’s thoughts of how she planned to spend her three hundred dollars on herself were quickly overshadowed by the continuous delight she enjoyed as Christmas Day drew nearer. It was terrible, she thought, being so happy and excited and not being able to tell anyone why you felt that way.

Finally! Christmas Day arrived. That morning the children ran downstairs to open their presents. Joan had peeked outside earlier, and there the snowmobile sat in the middle of the front yard in eight inches of fresh snow. Their friends had polished the snowmobile until it gleamed. A big red ribbon went all the way around it, and a large red bow was on the seat. Joan was never happier!

The snowmobile was still hidden from the family by the living room drapes which Joan had drawn before she went to bed. Everyone, but Joan, had their full attention focused on opening the presents under the tree. Finally, Joan’s oldest brother parted the drapes to see how much snow had fallen that night. “Hey Dad, there is a snowmobile on our lawn,” he said. Dad looked puzzled. They pulled the living room drapes open. They saw the ribbon and the bow – ribbons and bows belonged on gifts, not on snowmobiles left by chance in your yard! Joan’s father glanced at his wife, but her puzzled look said she was not the key to the mystery. Dad and the boys flew out the front door and leapt on the seat of the snowmobile while hollering in wild delight. They started the motor and sped off with Dad giggling like a teenager.

Mother looked at Joan’s sheepish grin and thought to herself: It cost three hundred dollars; Joan has three hundred dollars!

“Joan!” she exclaimed as Joan broke into an ear to ear grin. “I’m so proud of you. I just don’t know what to say.”

Joan’s mother did not have to say anything. On that beautiful, snowy Christmas morning, Joan learned for herself what we have all been told: It IS better to give than to receive.