Care Package

It was a great discovery. I found it hidden in a lower cupboard in our kitchen. As a seven year old child I could not hide my joy. I had only seen such a wondrous item on television advertisements and I believed the gift was restricted to children in other countries. Nevertheless, there it was it all its glory – a genuine Care Package loaded with marvelous food items. I couldn’t wait to tell my parents about my excitement and to ask them why it was hidden away instead of proudly displayed.

Much to my surprise my father was embarrassed that I had found this hidden treasure and was even more embarrassed that it was in our house. I learned later that these packages were handed out by the steel workers’ union during a lengthy strike. My father, being a steel worker, had brought the package home from a union strategy meeting. I also learned that “we don’t take charity” and “a man takes care of his family and doesn’t take handouts.” It didn’t matter to him that “guvment cheese” made the best toasted cheese sandwiches.

Later in life I learned an even more valuable lesson. A man should never be too proud to receive gifts from the Heavenly Father. Because He cares for us, every good and perfect gift comes from Him. This is especially true when we consider the greatest gift, His Son. In receiving His gifts we should have the wonder and excitement of a seven year old when discovering the revealed treasure. And for all of His bounty we should be thankful for His real care for us.