The Keychain

It stays in my pocket almost every day, fits in the palm of my hand and is one of my most prized possessions. It’s been years since this amazing little gift was given to me, and it cost less than five bucks. To the casual observer, this little item probably looks like something that should have been traded in (or thrown away) years ago. It says, “I love you!” in a way that is so powerful that I will do my best to keep it always. Let me explain:

Several years ago, our family went shopping at a Christian bookstore together. My eldest daughter (about four at the time) accompanied us. I had prepared myself to hear the phrase, “Daddy, can I have this?” when she saw all the neat items in the kid’s section of the store.

Before we went in, my wife and I placed five dollar bills in our daughter’s hands and told her that she could use her money to purchase anything in the store that she wanted—provided it was under her small allotment of cash. We were trying to be good parents and teach her the value of choosing wisely. I was unprepared for the lesson that I would be given instead.

Keychain Gift

She did look at several items in the store, but what she finally decided to purchase took my breath away. She excitedly pointed to a small acrylic key fob and ring in a glass case at the front of the store. It had a tiny white bird with wings outstretched manufactured into it and an inscription in small letters. It was a Bible verse that has come to mean a great deal to me.

“He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings thou shalt trust” (Psalms 91:4).

The keychain with acrylic watch fob was just under five dollars. My little girl took all the money in her hands and excitedly purchased it. I was baffled and thought to myself, “What a waste!” I couldn’t have been more mistaken.

When we left the store, she turned to me and said, “Daddy, I bought this for you because I love you.” She had bypassed her desire to purchase something for herself. Instead, she had decided to go “all in” with buying a gift for me. Even now, when I think about it, I get a lump in my throat.

She Put Herself Aside

That little girl is now married; we’ve moved multiple times. The number of children we have at home has diminished from three to one. That little keychain is still one of my most prized possessions. The key ring has broken through several times, and I’ve re-drilled it and put it back on. Every time I look at my keychain, I’m reminded of the selfless and pure love that is still possible in the world that we live in. She gave all she had, putting herself aside and putting me first. I’m still humbled.

The world would be a better place if everyone loved like that!

If you liked this, you might also like A Gift for Mother | Give Thanks and Give More 

Michael Temple writes from North Dakota.

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