“Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.”
James 1:17
“Whoa.”
She stopped in mid flow, a frozen animation little who under regular circumstances is not still very often or for very long.
Pointing and eerily transfixed, she asked, “Where did you get that?” in low robotic tones.
Startled, I looked down at my midsection to find the object of her sudden distraction.
Ah. The world snapped into view again. At the end of a long chain hung several glittery baubles and a tiny key.
“It was a gift from Mr. Lowes,” I explained.
“Whoa. He sure must love you a lot,” was her response in her ‘I’m-ultra-serious’ voice.
And then she was off.
I was grinning at her innocence, her valuation of shiny trinkets, when I had a new thought.
He does. He really does. A lot. But this pretty adornment was only one indication of that love. Glittery, it had caught my little’s attention as a wonderful offering. But I was left thinking about the countless other ways my mister shows me his love.
Leaving a window scraper on my backseat when frosty weather appears. Taking out the trash. Changing the oil in my car, doing the dishes, carrying heavy boxes so I don’t have to. Encouraging me to get outside when I need a mental health boost.
Wonderful gifts, each one.
Just not so obvious as a sparkly necklace.
And my thoughts soon turned to the spiritual significance behind this mini lesson on gifts.
Every good and perfect gift originates in the heart of God. He gives wonderful gifts – often through those who love us in this life.
And not all of them are as obvious or glittery as a sunset or the splendour of autumn leaves.
Some of them are quiet. A text from a friend at just the right time. Energy to press on when you feel you can’t keep pressing on. Courage to walk into another day not knowing how to continue with such sorrow in your heart.
Hope.
The presence of God in the midst of our trials.
Salvation.
He must sure love you a lot!
And He does. He really does.
A lot.
See the hand of the Giver behind the gift with me?
Father, we take so much of what You give us for granted. We forget to look for the love behind fresh air, employment, friendship, hope, courage, Your presence, and the incredible offer of eternal life. Open our eyes to how well loved we really are. Amen.
Growing in Grace 