wise men

The joke regularly circles round the Internet and church bulletins this time of year: What if the three Wise Men had been women? They would have asked directions, arrived on time, helped deliver the baby, cleaned the stable, made a casserole, and brought practical gifts! But beyond the silly stereotyping, the harmless joke always rubbed me the wrong way, though I could never put my finger on exactly why. Until I was musing about what to give for a dear friend expecting a baby, and I realized I didn't feel like buying her anything practical. I wanted to give her something beautiful, something lasting, something lavish. Thoughtful folks always offer diapers and wipes when a wee one arrives. Bibs and burp clothes, toys and teething rings flow as freely as advice at baby showers. But the wisest women in my life were the ones who brought me impractical gifts. Handmade blankets. Tiny knitted sweaters. Wee white booties. A shiny silver cup. Nothing for the day-to-day messes of babyhood. … [Read more...] about the real wise women