Sometimes I know just what gift to buy, but more often than not I whiffed on gifts for Shawn in our early years together. One Christmas, and this is a true story, I was certain I had the perfect gift identified. I had watched as she painstakingly used pruners to shape the azaleas in front of the house and knew she needed a quality set of scissor-like hedge trimmers. I was so excited with that gift.
Christmas morning arrived, and I pulled that gift from behind the couch. To disguise its identity, I had wrapped it with thick layers of newspaper and duct tape. She struggled to open the package, but at last she held her prize. Shawn’s beautiful face displayed her lovely smile, but I knew I had racked up an epic failure.
I made a better choice than my friend, though, who bought his rotund wife a bathroom scale with three-inch bright red digital display. He was fun to hang out with, talented, easy-going. I surely miss him.
Grandpa’s Birthday
I reached and passed another birthday last month. Grandson August knew he would be coming over for dinner to play and celebrate his mom’s and grandpa’s birthdays which are close on the calendar. I am told he experienced a moment of panic as he realized he did not have a gift for Grandpa. He’s in school now and experienced with birthday parties, swag bags, and such. He discussed the gift issue with his mom and suggested they make a run to Target, where certainly, “They would have something for Grandpa.” As that idea was nixed his next choice was to scour his room for something he does not play with often that “Grandpa might like.” His wise Mom suggested he make a card for Grandpa instead. And what a card!
The images do not do it justice. Observers will find:
- An image of Grandpa’s truck
- Headlights with yellow beams
- Taillights with red beam
- An abundance of exclamation points to emphasize the genuineness of August’s sentiments. (I count 42!)
- $.90 of coins carefully taped to the inside.
August told me later that I needed to remove the money so it would not be lost. I shared that I intended to leave the card as it is, post it in my office, and if he ever needed a loan he knew where to get one.
He conceived, designed, and delivered the perfect gift from a grandson to his grandpa! Granddaughter Fern also made a beautiful card and displayed her newly formed cursive writing skills.
God’s Perfect Gift
Choosing the perfect gift is an art, I think. Some excel at it. Like God. He knew what each of us needed, so He gave the very best He had, His perfect and only Son.
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
John 3:16 NASB
God is all about giving. It’s part of His nature, and His gifts are the best. Thoughtfully chosen. No expense spared. Just what the recipient needs. All I have to do is receive those gifts.
If you hit a dreary day when your mind is constipated with grief, darkness, and concern over the future try this. Grab a pen and a piece of paper. Make a list of the good things God has poured into your life. Say, “Thanks!”
There’s that verse tucked away in Romans that Christians like to slap a friend with when that friend is facing a difficult time. You know the one…
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28 NASB
And some are quick to point out that the verse does not say that all things are good. We hit some heavy flack in the flight of life, don’t we? But the verse does say God has a purpose.
I’m reaching the age where I can take a breather, look back, and reevaluate some of those turbulent times. And you know what, sometimes, I can trace and see how that not so good thing turned into a much better set of options.
God really does choose the best gifts. And He never runs out of exclamation points in declaring His love for us.
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