My most memorable gift revealed the true love in the heart of the giver. It wasn’t what I wanted, less than I imagined, and downright disappointing, but it revealed a desire on the part of the giver to offer their best. When received with the right heart attitude, such gifts often become our greatest treasures for the love and care they reveal. I would love to hear your comments!

 

 

2MefromHim Devotionals

A Memorable Gift

Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matthew 9:7-11

The most memorable gift I ever received came when I was about 10 years old. My father wasn’t a rich man. He worked hard at his insurance business and gained the respect of his competitors. Every one considered him their best friend. My parents had a wonderful marriage and a loving family. We had everything we needed and most things we wanted. The time I remember most was when the gift I received wasn’t what I expected.

I had to choose between camp or a bicycle. Camp only lasted a week. A new bike would last years, so I chose the bike. I had a vision of something shiny and blue with chrome fenders.

My heart soared when Daddy called us to the front yard. The excitement quickly turned to tears when I saw the ugliest bike ever. My dad bought what he could afford with three daughters. I was horrified. Shiny chrome fenders were to replace the rusty, dented ones. He even bought blue paint.

Typical for my age, I grew angry and sad. His understanding was remarkable. I know he hated to disappoint me. I was doubtful when he promised to make it beautiful. I wanted it hidden in the garage before my friends saw it.

Daddy worked hard sanding off old paint and rust. With new fenders, paint, and a nice basket for my school books, it looked pretty good. Since many of my friends lacked bikes, no one looked close enough to tell it wasn’t new. They thought it was cool I could now ride my bike to school.

I didn’t understand it’s not the gift, but the heart of the giver that matters. Even small or seemingly insignificant gifts can speak volumes about the intentions of the giver. Gifts are valuable because of the thoughts behind them more than for the gift itself. The heart of the giver is what makes a gift memorable.

Like my dad, my heavenly Father wants to give me His best. However, His best and mine aren’t always the same. He’s not just giving gifts. He’s raising a child he desires to give from a heart of love and generosity. Some of the most important things in my life haven’t come the way I expected.

Holiday time often tempts us with things we can’t afford. What we want isn’t nearly as important as what God knows we need. It may not be what we imagined, but in God’s economy, it is His best.

This holiday season, commit yourself to give those you love a memorable gift, one that reveals the love you have in your heart.

Copyright 2011 & 2017 by Norma Gail Thurston Holtman

About the author:

Norma Gail’s debut contemporary Christian romance, Land of My Dreams, won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 41 years. They have two adult children. If you’re interested in connecting with her, you’re to follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, or Amazon.