Greetings, Dear Friends!
And to those visiting, I say welcome! I post every Wednesday and my sole purpose is to nourish your soul along the way. Each month I give away a $10.00 Starbucks gift card to someone who posts on my blog. So share a story or an insight, bless lots of people, and just maybe you'll win a jolt of java for you and friend!
Last month, in light of the Thanksgiving holiday, we explored some uncommon aspects of giving thanks.
This month, in light of our Savior's birth,we'll spend the next few weeks exploring differentideas around giving and receiving 'gifts.'
Now on to my topic...
Today was a frigid cold yet sunny day. While shuffling along on the treadmill at the Y today, I looked out the window at the beautiful blue sky, and I wondered about something. What kinds of gifts does Jesus want from me this season? What kinds of gifts does Jesus want from you?
Picture an assortment of wrapped gifts from you under His tree. What's inside of each package?
Okay, I'll go first...
For starters, every significant thing I accomplished this past year, I give back to Him. Stuffed inside this package is also every hint of pride or shred of ambition that wants a place in my life. Nope, I give all these things back to Him. He'll love this gift.
Next, I give Jesus my right to be offended. When people overlook me, misjudge me, dismiss me, or are simply rude, I give up my 'right' to react to them. Smooshed in this box is the tendency to believe the worst, connect the dots and draw wrong conclusions, and keep a tally of wrongs done to me. Yes, I know Jesus will cherish this gift.
Tucked in a little box and wrapped with a beautiful bow, I give Jesus perspective. When I'm tempted to look down, I'll decide instead to look up. I know He'll appreciate this one.
This next gift needs a large box and lots of wrapping paper. All of my hopes and dreams are in this box. Dreams for my kids, for my husband and me, for our country, for the Body of Christ, for the lost, the poor, and the broken; dreams for the slave and the human trafficking victim. I have lots of dreams. And God's promises are true. I give this very precious gift to God, knowing my dreams are safe with Him.
A beautiful gift bag holds my time. I give Jesus my time to decide how it should be spent. My commitments are on the table for Him to rearrange or change altogether. This is a scary one for me even though I know He's good. Yes, He's good. This is a perfect gift for Him.
Finally, in a medium sized, shallow box, I place my fears; the fears that trip me up and make me stumble on occasion. In Christmases past, this gift required a much larger box. But healing has come and is coming. God has worked and God is working. My fears are smaller now; less powerful; less significant. Still, they're there. Jesus really wants my fears. He told me as much. So, I wholeheartedly give my fears to Him. I know He'll be thrilled to receive such a gift.
I love our Savior. What He really wants for Christmas is me. And He wants you too.
What gifts do you have for Jesus this year? I'd love to hear from you...
Until next week~