We have arms, legs, eyes and ears. These, along with the gifts of thoughts and feelings, of being born and able to participate in this life on this sphere we call Earth, are wonderful gifts.

I celebrate gifts of freedom and independence on the Fourth of July, and Christ’s love at Christmas and Easter. I believe Christ’s love for us is the greatest gift of all. As a Christian, I am taught to pass this love around in a myriad of ways, not only to my own family members but to everyone. Love, when properly received and given, can result in “U-turns,” or turning points, for everyone involved. This can be the most precious gift of all.

For example, when we moved into our new house, situated near a park, the multitude of kids was overwhelming at first. Unfortunately, I have the “gift” of impatience and quick temper, but it took a surprising U-turn one day and changed my way of thinking and acting.

One day after school, a young man named Levi was sitting at a picnic table with his friend. While I was watching them, it appeared that one of them was in a poor mood. All of a sudden the boys got up and walked toward our yard and one fellow, whom I learned later was Levi, ripped some of our flowers from the vine and stomped on them.

I erupted angrily with many tough words. I cussed him out. I really hurt his feelings and after a few hours I felt bad, too. The next day I saw his friend in the park and I approached him with words of regret.

Since that day, the “gift” of anger and remorse has turned into a loving friendship between an old man and a boy. After my approach to make it up to them, Levi and his friend Colin would drop in unseen, pick some flowers out of our garden, ring the doorbell and hide until I opened the door. Then Levi presented the flowers to us.

Levi is now a man and is on his way with the Oregon National Guard to the Middle East. Now he sends his mother over to check on us. This is just out of sight! What a wonderful gift for him to celebrate his life with us. As for me, humility, patience, forgetting and forgiving are the unexpected gift this brought to me.

Now who received the greater gift, he or I? I lived many years before receiving my gift, but he was a young man and it will continue in his heart for many years to come. Because I understand that God created and instilled in us his love, and will love us no matter what, this means that with all our freedoms, such as acting impulsively, he has placed in us his love, which is meant to be utilized for others’ happiness — and ours. I have learned that U-turns are not only legal, but they continue to do good things quietly for good and God!

John Antone is district council president of Saint Vincent de Paul Inc. of Lane County and a board member at Saint Alice Catholic Church in Springfield. This column is coordinated by Lane Interfaith Alliance to offer inspiration, share personal spiritual experiences and bring a deeper understanding of individual faith perspectives with the intention of blessing our community and world. For information, visit www.laneinterfaithalliance.org or call 344-5693