Unexpected good surprises, fun things, and “wow” experiences often come when we not ready or expecting. Birthdays, anniversaries, and special holidays are often the normal and exclusive gifts events in life, or so we think. As I have gotten older, the expected gifts on these days have tended to diminish. It is almost as if I need to take care of my own gift giving for myself, otherwise things will not happen!
In the past few days I rediscovered that the most important gifts are not the ones that come wrapped in special paper. I also found that there are regular events – a rest day once a week, reflection and meditation time for me in the morning, and times of listening to God – where I receive gifts especially designed and tailored for me.
Too often I trap myself in the expectation that gifts must take on a specific form and function. I know that for a gift to be a real gift I must be able to show them, assess the monetary value, and keep it safe in the closet. The latter requirement is the basis for my ability to bring it out and show off when someone new comes around!
In my past I knew that my god gave me a gift (salvation) that came with requirements, rules, conditions, and regulations. I know that even though people called this a gift that it really did not fit my definition of the word! This gift was difficult to carry, often hard to find, and caused endless trouble and heartache.
Then I met the God you know. Wow. This God gives something absolutely unique and never ending!
God’s gift shows itself through a regular blessing of rest, unconditional acceptance, unlimited mercy, and pure love – all pieces of a new resurrected life. “This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike ‘What’s next, Papa?’” (Romans 8.13)
Discovering God’s gift for you and me is a party each day – and just think; it never needs to end!
