The Best Gifts Aren't Always Wrapped or Given on Special Occasions.

My dusty present is my most valued treasure.

"Never judge a book by its cover" has been a practice innately in me since a child.

I was only 10 when I experienced my first real-life test experience.

Curiosity led me to reach for a literal book covered in dust abandoned in a corner on the front porch of my neighbor's house under renovation at the time.

Smearing my palms across its cover to reveal its title, I was startled by Miss Ford's voice from behind. "Would you like to have it?" She asked. Seemingly anxious to part with it.

My first thought was a book 2 inches thick; when would I finish reading it?.

At 10, I had little interest in what appeared to be a personal development book judging from its title "Live your life with purpose" by Grace Carnegie. Moreover, its cover wasn't even appealing or attractive.

The book had been in a box, among others things, on the top shelf of my small clothes closet ever since.

Two years later, I laid eyes on the book again.

It was a month-long read, but I couldn't put it down after reading its first chapter. That book was the first I read in its entirety except for the textbooks at school.

I have received diamond necklaces, pearl earrings, crystals, and many other expensive gifts beautifully wrapped and given to me on my birthdays, at Christmas time, and on other special occasions. Still, none to date supersedes the value of the gift my neighbor gave me that day.

The book had become a pillar of strength, hope, and encouragement at pivotal stages of my life. I had read it over 5 times and drawn references when I needed help.

An American writer and illustrator, Thomas Anthony, says it ideally, "Reading is important because if you can read, you can learn anything about everything and everything about anything."

Don't underestimate the power of reading. It's the fuel that develops every aspect of language and is an integral part of human existence.

I've learned so much from that book; It helped shape my life.

However, I didn't quite understand its most substantial impact until I became an adult.

My insatiable appetite for reading began with the book my neighbor gifted me that day. It wasn't wrapped in gift paper, nor did it have a shiny bow, or given on a special occasion.

But to me, it is a gift I will always cherish as the most valuable. It is a gift of a lifetime.

Give the best gift this Christmas.

Give the gift of reading.

Thanks to my medium community for giving me the gift of reading and inspiring me daily.

A special shout out to Sahil Patel, Owner and Editor of “The Summit” publication.

A special welcome to his new Editor Hamsalekha. The Summit is a great place for all your inspirational reading and writing.

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