Gifted

"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!" Matthew 7:11

Having recently been through Christmas and a birthday or two, I have a whole new appreciation for my parents and all the times I was ungrateful for gifts. I probably didn't even see it most of the time.

I do remember one specific incident though when my mom brought home a new top for each of us. I was fourteen or fifteen and wanted to choose my own clothes; it was really clear that my mom had no idea what was 'fashionable.' While it was always a treat to get something new, I just really didn't like what she had chosen.

It was the first time I noticed that look. It's the same look I probably get when I have been thinking of my loved ones while I'm making a special meal or dessert, or when I've brought home a 'surprise' only to be told in so many words that "it's not what I really wanted."

I know I do the same thing to my heavenly Father too. I finally get through all the packaging to see what He's given me and I pout, "But it's not what I wanted." or "I don't want it any more, I want what she's got." I wonder if it saddens Him the same way to have something that was hand-crafted specifically for me left in the wrapping rather than taken out, put into use and cherished.

Lord, remind me to be grateful for the gifts you so carefully choose just for me. Help me be faithful using them as you've always envisioned.

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