6. BECAUSE THERE IS ALWAYS A GIFT FOR US

Ten years ago, I began writing a series of stories known as the Samuel Stories, designed as educational and therapeutic narratives to help individuals manage conflict more effectively. Below, you can explore one of the Samuel stories titled "Because There Is Always a Gift for Us."

Samuel's story continues...

A flurry of snowflakes covered the weary-looking narrow street. The soft white blanket of snow spread a sense of calm over the city, promising hope to its inhabitants.

I stood by the window, watching the hurried people rush by, each absorbed in their own business. Puzzled by their haste, I wondered, where were they rushing to? What were they chasing after?

As I pondered this, she spoke to me, her voice the most beautiful I had ever heard, illuminating the greyness of despair that filled the room.

“Sam, did you see?” Sarah asked excitedly.

“What was I supposed to see?” I replied, curious.

“I put it on your table! I made it just for you! I wrapped up all the love, respect, loyalty, joy, and unconditional freedom that I feel when you are beside me,” Sarah replied.

A world shattered within me. I tried with all my strength to recall the image her gift left in my mind, and as soon as I found it, I eagerly asked, “Did you prepare that gift in the little box for me?”

Sarah's eyes widened, and a firm “yes” echoed back. “I made it just for you!” she said softly.

“You know, Sarah…” I replied sympathetically, “I learned something from you again.”

“What?” Sarah asked impatiently.

“With firm conviction, I answered, your heart should always be filled with anticipation because if there is no hope and expectation in your heart, you will miss those wonderful things that have been prepared just for you!”

Sarah's big blue eyes sparkled. In her gentle voice, she replied, “There is always a gift for us; we just need to know where to look to find it!”

Samuel understood that the hurried lives of those around him often masked unspoken struggles and desires. Just as snow blankets the ground, concealing the chaos beneath, so too do our conflicts often hide deeper needs. In recognizing this, he learned that approaching others with an open heart can uncover the true gifts of understanding and connection, transforming potential discord into harmony. In each interaction, we hold the power to illuminate the hidden beauty in our relationships, fostering compassion and resolution.

This story was first published in Hungarian on September 23, 2018, on this blog: https://melzerandi.blogspot.com/2018/09/mert-mindig-van-szamunkra-egy-ajandek.html   where it continues to resonate with readers exploring themes of trauma-informed conflict management.