Every Good and Perfect Gift

Unopened gifts--courtesy of Google

My Daddy, who passed away nine years ago, had a curious habit. He wouldn't open his Christmas and birthday gifts. Daddy's birthday was the day after Christmas.  His Christmas and birthday gifts were usually rolled into one. Sometimes he might open one, and he seemed to enjoy that, but usually he'd take his little stack of gifts and set them aside, like he was saving them for later.  It wasn't unusual for me to see the gifts still unopened months later.

I'd see the gift I'd wrapped and think how I had wanted him to have those warm pyjamas or new slippers or new handkerchiefs. So, sometimes, I'd take the gift and say, "Daddy, you haven't opened your presents yet? Can I open this one for you?

"All right," he'd say, "but you really didn't need to give me anything."

I'd unwrap the gift and give it to him, and he seemed happy to have it.  But he would always add, "You really didn't have to give me anything."

I don't know why Daddy wouldn't open the gifts he received. It's true he was the least materialistic of anyone I've ever known.  But, I really wish he would have enjoyed the gifts more. After all, they were gifts I wanted him to have.

I think we are sometimes like that about the gifts God wants us to have.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave...." (John 3:16)

How many gifts has He made available to us that we haven't yet opened?

For God so loved the world, that He gave. . .

His only begotten son, Jesus Christ

Everlasting life

Peace (John 14:27)

Every good and perfect gift (James 1:17)

And we have to open His gifts for ourselves.  No one can do it for us.

Wisdom, knowledge, joy (Ecclesiastes 2:26)

Sleep (Psalm 127:2)

Keys to the kingdom (Matthew 16:19)

Power over evil (Luke 10:19)

Living water (John 4:10)

We even have the promise "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and he shall give you the desires of your heart," Psalm 37:4.

Let's receive the gifts God has for us today and every day with the joy and excitement of a child on Christmas morning. 

                                                      Opening Gifts on Christmas morning

Blessings to you today.  Today I celebrate a bit of a milestone for this blog.  I've been here on Write Moments with God for six months today.  Thank you all for your support, your visits, and comments.  I appreciate you so very much.  You're the reason I keep coming back.   May God's grace be with you.