Gift

"I have something I want to give you...." Now when someone says that to you, doesn't that spring up thoughts of curiosity and anticipation. Or, "I got something for you today"....I say that to my grandkids and their first question is: "what is it"....you'll see the next time you come by my house...and believe me they remember to ask. A friend stopped by my house the other day unexpected and dropped off a little package that was also not expected. No birthdays coming up...no special occasions....she said she was shopping with friends and she ran across something that belonged in the Jodeit household, bought it and now was delivering it...it was a plaque...a brightly colored orange funky designed plaque that reads..."Home is where great memories are made." I loved it...and immediately knew where it would hang....the gift was a great surprise and she was right a great sign for the Jodeit Household...but it was the thoughtfulness and carry through that hit me with an even greater depth of appreciation.

We think about nice things to do for people all the time...but a bible study teacher named Janie that I studied under long ago taught me something I will never forget. "One good deed done is better than a thousand good thoughts undone". I can't help but to consider God in his heavens, with all of His authority and all of His children praying to Him about this and that each day and the many times he has done "that one great deed" for one of us. He doesn't appear in person, unexpected at our front door...but His gifts are delivered in unexpected ways at unexpected times. And just as my grandkids sometimes are not too excited about new shoes or new clothes...they are gifts that they indeed will use and need....just as God's gifts are gifts that he knows we will use and need.

As I opened my gift from my friend I was able to tell her thank you immediately...and it made me think how often do I forget to thank God for the gifts that he gives to me on a daily basis. I take them for granted or put them on a shelf in the back of my mind and carry on. I do not consider ...their effect...their use..
their ability to comfort...their ability to bring joy to my senses (like a beautiful day, or an encouraging word from a friend, or a perfectly timed experience)....their influence...their ability to make us grow..their lingering peace....their reminders of God's grace....etc.
For is all things that happen to us through the day...I know that God has somehow orchestrated it or has given us His strength and wisdom to deal with it.

There was a movie once, maybe it was "God Almighty" but there was a tour being given of Heaven...and there was one room that was overflowing with staff members...and when asked what room is that.. the reply was the request room....and as they traveled down the hall there was another room with just a couple of people sitting at their desks...and what room is this...it is the room that processes all the thank you's. Not too busy...as you can see in comparison...I know that is all movie talk but I do believe that we are short on Thanksgiving...all of us....for the bounty of blessings that we receive each day.

Here we are coming up to Easter...talking about a time to Thank God for His one ultimate blessing....the sacrifice of His son for the sins that WE have committed...Jesus got to go back to the place where he had come...but Oh where would we be now without the gift that he has left fro all who believe in His name. The gift of true forgiveness...that gives us a entry pass to eternal life. It has been left at the front door of our heart...with expectation that we will find it and open it...and be grateful for it.....and use it as a standard for our daily living. For we were handed something for free that we so did not deserve. And this was not one of those throw away free gifts....It was worthy and would not only last a lifetime but would be the one true gift that had eternal lasting power. And from that gift....the gift of knowing God and the gift of faith in believing in His son, Jesus.... springs forth all other gifts that we continually have an opportunity to open each day.

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.

Gifts that we give to others, whether it be a gift of the heart or gift of time...a gift based on our talents or our resources....is a gift that God has allowed us the privilege of having. May we remember to thank Him for all that we have and are able to do...and may our thoughts of giving both of ourselves and our resources be put into deeds of action. For one good deed done is better than a thousand good thoughts undone. Has God put someone on your heart that he wants you to do something for....has it been lingering....today would be a "good" day to just take care of it....and get that One good deed done...for the glory of God...and to the glory of God.

Dear Lord, Encourage us to follow through with the little deeds of kindness that are constantly before us. And thank you Lord for all that you do for us each day that give us joy, give us strength, and give us a reminder of the magnificent creator and provider that you are. Amen

Praise God wherever you are or whatever situation he has allowed you to be in...for His glory will shine through.

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