dailydatewithgod

The specialness of gifts is not only in their content but also in their delivery, intention, and reception.  We have all had experiences when we were given a gift that we did not want.  Or even when it was something we did want, we don’t know how to receive it.  I mean fully receive it by acknowledging the giver, the effort to obtain and present the gift and the contribution it makes to our lives.  We tend to approach gifts from God in the same way.  God’s gifts sometimes come wrapped in messy wrapping paper and without a bow. Sometimes they seem more like hardships than gifts. Any gift we are given comes with a responsibility–an ability to respond.  We can either accept the gift as is, be indifferent to it, or wish it away.  Any of those responses are our decision.  But what if we looked at the intention behind the gift?  What if we recognized that sometimes the most unlikely of circumstances and experiences cause us to grow in ways we never expected?  We have the ability to respond by receiving with a simple Thank You, no matter what the gift is.  Then we can ask the Giver, what do you wish me to do with this gift?  How will this cause me to grow in love?  My prayer for us today is that we be open to receiving the non-gift looking gifts of our day as invitations to grow in love and say Thank you.  Make it a great one!  Peace~Colleen