Gifts and giving are regular topics that come to mind. I have written about them often. I don’t think of myself as a particularly generous person and giving gifts is not one of my strong suits. In 1992 at a retreat this little sign was on the headboard of my bed. I don’t think I had ever thought of myself as a “gift”. The little sign must have touched something deep within me, as I took it with me when I left the retreat and put it in my Bible where it has remained for the last 25+ years. I come across it from time to time, reflect on its message and wonder at times to whom I am intended to be a gift in the moment….
Here is a brief reflection on gifts from 2014:
I’m considering gifts today…..some received, some given, some valued, some cast aside. Some gifts are given that reflect the heart of the giver. Other gifts are given because they remind the giver of the heart of the receiver. Think of the most cherished tangible gift you ever received from human hands? What meaning does it have in your life? Is it cherished because of what it is or because of the person who gave it to you?
Matthew 7:11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
I am grateful that God does not change…..in a world where most things do. CBByrd 8/26/1544
I counted at least a dozen additional posts that have “gift or give” in the title or tags. This one from 10/17/14 was written about an experience with the Lord that taught me quite a bit about giving…..and why God emphasizes giving so much…….