The wooden floorboards creaked as I tiptoed into the living room behind the Christmas tree where Mom hid the good presents. The small, green box called to me like a siren at sea and I couldn’t resist temptation. Stuffing the green box into my pajamas was akin to Indiana Jones’ daredevil moves in Raiders of the Lost Ark; but like Indiana, I escaped unscathed.

On the ledge of the bathtub, I quietly pulled back the gift wrapping and pulled out the box perfectly, unharming the creases in the wrapping paper. I silently gasped while lifting the top of the jewelry box, revealing the most beautiful gold-faced watch with brown leather band.

It was a gift from my Uncle Ivan who knew I had difficulty telling the time from day to night. To aid in my troubles, the face of the watch displayed an ornate sun during the day and a modern moon at night. It was perfect and beautiful and greater than anything I had ever been given.

Slipping the box back in the gift wrap and reattaching the tape, I casually left the bathroom and placed the gift beneath the tree. And no one knew.

On Christmas morning in 1988 I sat with the green box in my hand and loved what was inside. It was perfect and beautiful and the greatest gift ever given to me. But I knew what was inside and I felt ashamed. In front of my family I pretended to be excited but my acting was sub-par.

Even today I regret the decision to open my gift before I was suppose to.

Surprise Bridal Shower (photo: Cindy Alvarez)

This past Saturday I sat in the presence of family members and friends at a surprise bridal shower. As I walked through the doors and saw of sea of smiling faces, I was overwhelmed by love and celebration. Through the course of the shower, words poured over me, hugs were given, and gifts to make any woman blush were opened.

Mom announced to everyone how much I like gifts and surprises while everyone laughed. She blushed and covered certain gifts I held up proudly. In a nanosecond I was reminded of Christmas circa 1988 and the gift I opened when I wasn’t suppose to. I couldn’t resist. I couldn’t keep quiet.

I shared my watch story. I shared about the beauty of the gift and the sadness I bore opening it before it was time. I shared my regret. But in the presence of God, family, and friends, I proudly announced the beauty and excitement I get to share with my future husband as we get to unwrap a special gift I’ve never shared or opened with anyone else.

That is what a shower is all about! We throw showers so we can shower our friends with love, rejoice in holy matrimony, and celebrate sanctified sex! Amen, hallelujah, and ThankYouSweetBabyJesus 😉

  • What gifts have you regrettably unwrapped? Feel free to share your story 🙂
  • If you’ve opened the gift of sex, have you restored the gift by wrapping it back up?
  • If anyone has words of restoration or encouragement, you have permission to speak freely!

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