The Giver Of Good Gifts

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.

“I’m sorry, Kendra. By the time I got there, she’d sold out of her gnomes.” I was parked at the art fair, staring at the last tiny clay gnome I’d snagged from a favorite local potter, as I told my little white lie. This so-ugly-it’s-cute little guy was Kendra’s birthday gift, and I’d rearranged my entire morning so I could be one of the first people at Danielle’s booth, ready to snatch him up. I knew she only had a couple left and wasn’t intending to make more.

I felt a tiny bit guilty hearing the disappointment in Kendra’s voice but managed not to confess. The anticipation of surprising her with something I knew she’d love barely kept me from spilling the beans.

Gift giving does not come naturally to me, and having a perfect gift to give someone I care about isn’t something I take for granted. The thought of making her day made my day, and as I drove to my first of several meetings, I silently thanked God for the opportunity to give my friend a gift I knew she’d appreciate.

As I drove, my thoughts turned to all of the gifts God showers on us, big and small, obvious and inconspicuous. How often do I pass by them, oblivious to the tokens of his unconditional love for me? Recognizing my ingratitude made me wince. Far too frequently, I listen to the lies that I am not enough, allowing my inner critic to speak louder than the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit. And far too often, I neglect to thank God for the good gifts, taking his blessings for granted when it is smooth sailing and turning to him mostly when life’s waters are rough.

God is with us in the good and the bad, and becoming sensitive to noticing his provision builds our trust so that when we are in crisis, we have a firm foundation of faith upon which to stand.

Julie

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Ask God to nudge you into noticing his good gifts. Practice looking for them and thanking him when you find them.