My Christmass gift to you…

Barcelona, December 25th, 2024

What to Do After a Surprise Welcome?

Raymon is a devoted and responsible father, doing his best to balance everything on his plate: his wife, young children, demanding job, and the little time left for social life or distractions outside of summer vacations or a few festive Christmas days… like the ones happening now.

One evening, coming home late from work as usual, after everyone had already finished dinner, he called out wearily as he entered through the door,

– “I'm home!” – to which the children's voices echoed back in delight,
– “Dad! You're home!” – Nothing brought more joy to Ray after a hectic day of responsibilities.

After the cheerful greeting ritual with the kids near the doorway, Ray noticed an envelope bearing the letterhead of a law firm. Just then, Marta, carrying a load of dirty laundry, gave him a loving kiss and said…

– “Aunt Lucrecia passed away.” – Before she could say more, Ray blurted dismissively,
– “About time the old miser kicked the bucket.”
– “Ray!” Marta exclaimed with a tone of reproach before continuing, “The envelope was delivered by a courier; it's from her lawyer's office.”

Ray didn’t give the envelope a second glance. Instead, he picked up his youngest child, saying, – “Off to bed!”

Three days later, it was finally Saturday. Curiously, the kids, where a crane is needed to lift them up at 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, were bouncing on Ray's bed by 7:30 a.m., pulling him out of his deep sleep.

That morning, the family began decorating their home for Christmas. Ray and the kids went to buy a lush Christmas tree, which they all decorated together. In the afternoon, they strolled downtown, played in a park, and enjoyed hot chocolate and churros. It was a wholesum day. They returned home at dusk with both children fast asleep in Ray and Marta's arms. After tucking them into bed, the couple finally had some quiet time for themselves.

On Sunday morning, Marta kept the kids from waking Ray. When he eventually woke, completed his morning routine, and came downstairs, everyone was ready to start breakfast. The cheerful energy of little ones filled the air as they laughed, shared stories, and ate together.

After breakfast, Ray noticed the mail on the entryway table he had not paid any attention in the week. As he sifted through it, he came across the envelope from the law firm, still unopened from days before. He opened it casually and found a letter instructing him to call to schedule an appointment to discuss an “inheritance from Mrs. Lucrecia Claquer.” With disinterest and maybe even a hint of annoyance, Ray set the letter aside.

Christmas came and went, filled with parties, family dinners, and the whirlwind of festivities. Life returned to its regular rhythm of responsibilities, school routines, and daily grind.

One weekend in late February, after a hearty meal, while the kids watching TV, Ray and Marta were clearing the table. Marta asked,

– “So, what did Aunt Lucrecia leave you?”
Ray replied, puzzled, – “What?”
– “The lawyer’s letter. Did you go?”
– “Oh, no. I haven’t. That cranky old woman… Ugh, it’s such a hassle. She probably left debts; I was her only surviving relative.”
– “But you should check. Who knows? Maybe she left you a property or something valuable.”

Ray dismissed the thought and moved on.

A few times, the law firm called, but Ray never found the time to go.

By July, at work, despite all his effort, Ray missed out on a bonus that went to a new hire with a full stack of college and masters degrees. As often happens, the year brought unexpected expenses that ate up all their savings for summer vacation. After opening a letter from the bank one evening, Ray noticed the law firm’s letter. Without thinking, he opened it, grabbed his phone, and called.

– “I’m sorry,” – the receptionist said, – “the lawyer has no availability before your vacation. The first opening is September 12 at 10 a.m. Does that work for you?”

Ray agreed.

By September, the appointment had completely slipped his mind. Busy with his daily responsibilities, he missed the scheduled time. At 10:15, the law firm called to see if he was coming. He said yes and rushed over, arriving late.

At noon, Ray returned home. Surprised, Marta asked,

– “What are you doing here at this hour? Did you get fired?” she asked, concerned.
– “No,” Ray replied, his gaze distant.
Marta, sensing something was off, took him by the shoulders and asked anxiously, – “What happened?”

Looking up, Ray met her eyes and said,

– “Aunt Lucrecia left us 800 million euros.” A heavy silence followed, broken by Marta’s incredulous laugh. – “You’re joking,” she said, but Ray’s expression set her thoughts racing.
– “EIGHT HUNDRED MILLION?!” she exclaimed. Ray responded calmly,

– “Well, not exactly… it was actually 781,747 euros.”

This Christmas, it’s worth reflecting on how immensely rich we are, yet how we live like tattered beggars—pleading for recognition, acceptance, or wealth that often feels beyond our grasp. We ask life for trinkets and trifles, failing to see the incomparable treasure already within our reach. If only we could pause the relentless hustle and turn our attention to what truly matters—what an invaluable treasure is there for us!

Perhaps you don’t believe in God, or your faith is shaken, wondering how a higher power could allow such injustice and suffering in the world. Or maybe you do believe, but something still feels missing—your life doesn’t reflect the extraordinary promise you thought faith would bring.

If the source of meaning in your life is your own definition, the cosmos, Life itself, or God, yet it hasn’t transformed your existence in a profound way, let me tell you this: That longing you feel points to a fullness you’re called to experience—a richness that surpasses every fleeting reward and shallow comfort, fulfilling the deepest desires of your heart.

Since it’s Christmas, let me leave you with two thoughts from Jesus:

Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
– Matthew 6:33

And the parable of the hidden treasure:

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
– Matthew 13:44

I can’t define for you what the Kingdom of Heaven is, but I can tell you that you have access to it, or better even, it actively seeks you out—like a divine hound—so you may possess it fully. Yet it cannot intervene if you choose to live as a pauper when you are truly wealthy beyond measure.

This Christmas, take time to ponder and uncover why this child was born into the world? What must you do to live out your talents and potential to the fullest? Or, if not, make a parentheses and conjure a prayer for it.

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and the discovery of the hidden treasure within your heart.

With love,
Hector