The Gifts We Receive Throughout Life
There are many gifts we receive in life, from simple ones for special occasions like birthdays, graduations, bridal and baby showers, retirements, going-away parties, and housewarmings, to monumental ones like anniversaries, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and baptisms.
With each of these occasions, we celebrate, but most importantly we commemorate the memories and moments that made them so special. The hard work and dedication, the long hours and prayers spent, or maybe it was simply remembering because you were born, as in a birthday gift. Some gifts we work for, and others are freely given, maybe not even for anything special, just because… you are special.
The Gift of Parents
The month of May is special as we celebrate our mothers; the sacrifice, hard work, determination, and steady pressure they put into molding us into the people we are today. The countless hours spent in prayer that we would be safe, wise, listen to God’s calling, and walk under His protection.
Think back to all the gifts your mother has given you, and you can start with “life.” I imagine for most of you that brings a smile to your face. And if you did not have a mother, or one you felt close to, I am sure God placed women in your life who took on that mentoring, loving, and supportive role. The ones we gave handmade gifts dripping with paint, sugar, glitter, or some less-known and slightly feared material.
I now have three grown daughters. Two are planning weddings with wonderful young men, and one is still waiting on God to supply the right God-fearing gentleman He has planned for her. I am at the stage where I have raised my children as best as I could in the steps of following God, but I know they will soon one day be taking on that role as well, and another generation will begin.
I know I did not appreciate my mother nearly as much as I should have until I became a mom myself. All of those things I said I would NEVER say to my children… one day I opened my mouth and out came, “BECAUSE I SAID SO!” Yeah… we’ve all done it. And the wisdom of one generation continues on to the next. Ha!
The month of June is also special as we celebrate and honor our fathers. I recently lost my father, and I now hold even tighter to those gifts he lovingly hand-selected for me. Some may even have collected a little dust over the years, but they mean so much more now because I remember the time, thought, and love that went into getting and giving them.
When God Surprises Us
For my birthday this year, I received several gifts and cards from dear friends, and I received some wonderful, cherished gifts from my family as well. But I also received another unexpected gift from God.
My mom and dad lost their Maltese, Trixie, of 12 years just one month before Dad passed away. Mom decided she was ready again for the company and energy of another puppy, so I took her to the family she had gotten Trixie from. She found Gracie. Little did I know that from a different litter, Teddy was anxiously awaiting my arrival and was all too eager to join our empty nest.
God gave me a gift I had not asked for and did not even know I wanted. However, once I received that gift, the hunger and longing to bring him home — he was only seven weeks old — became almost torturous. Now, I can be very patient if I don’t know I am getting something specific. But when I have my mind set on something and have to wait to receive it, well… that stretches my “gift of the Spirit.”
I remember that same anticipation, and honestly not much patience, right before each of my children were born. But there was always the ever-present reminder that life would never be the same again. Things would change forever.
A Longing We Cannot Always Explain
God has given each of us a precious gift, one that comes with no strings attached. One that, when we accept it, changes our lives forever and we are never the same again. That gift is salvation through His one and only Son, Jesus Christ. If you have felt a hunger and a longing for something that you didn’t even know you needed…. It’s his gift beckoning you.
The Greatest Gift of All
If you have not accepted that free gift, I encourage you not to wait another day to receive it. And if you have accepted it, but have never truly opened it and embraced the love with which it was given… for the love of God — literally — do it!
“No greater love is this than when one lays down his life for another.” — John 15:13
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” — Romans 6:23
That is the gift — eternal life. A brand-new earthly life lived in and through His Son. And if you are impatient, here is the best part… you do not have to wait.
Go grab that gift!
