I did it. I agreed to the purchase of a new car.

I’m still shaking a bit. I hate spending any money, especially on a car. But my husband needed one because we decided to give his 1996 Toyota Camry to my niece, who is attending Spelman College in Atlanta. We are so proud of how well she’s doing that we surprised her with the car for Christmas.

To replace the Camry, we had every intention of buying a late-model used car with a good reliability record and good gas mileage.

Then I thought about a sermon I had recently heard. The Rev. Steve Jamison, of Eastridge Christian Assembly in Issaquah, Wash., talked about the importance of showing your loved ones you care. Sometimes, Jamison said, that means buying them something they want.

Jamison recounted how his wife has never asked for much. But several months before their 25th wedding anniversary, she strongly hinted she wanted to upgrade her wedding ring.

Jamison admitted he really wasn’t a great gift-giver. He and his wife are practical folks who save fervently, so lavish gifts to them weren’t all that important.

Not this time, however.

“I couldn’t wait until the day I could give her that ring,” Jamison said. “I wanted to give her something nice because she has been so good to me.”

I’ve always clung to the belief that you don’t need to give anybody anything to prove your love.

“You can’t buy love” is one of my personal mantras. However, Jamison reminded me that giving can be good for the soul.

Here’s another thing I learned from his message: Sometimes you have got to let go of your money. If you’ve made wise decisions and you’re financially secure, spend a little. Splurge on yourself or a loved one. Don’t wait until you’re darn near death to enjoy some of what you’ve worked so hard to earn.