Gifted

It's that time of year again. My parenting message boards are filled with the adventures of moms and dads questing to find and purchase that perfect present. We laugh together, we offer ideas, we sit by the computer waiting for the online toy store to restock its virtual shelves so that we can share with our friends the link to this one coveted toy.

We stand in line on Black Friday. We memorize Walmart's delivery truck arrival times. We trudge through snow and rain and cold, just to place our hands on the item that completes our child's wish list.

Why? Why do we do it all?

We do it because one of the best things about being a parent is being the source of unbridled joy in our children. Our hearts light up with their faces. Their excitement makes every dollar and every harried moment totally worth it.

Tonight as I was making a batch of Christmas cookies, a thought came to me.

God gifts us every day.

His grace. His Word. His promises. His truth. His Son.

Why? Why does He give it all?

Because He loves us. Because He wants to be the source of unbridled joy in His children.

His gifts aren't just available on holidays. They are ours for the taking every single moment.

Our joy is His joy.

Let's delight in the Lord, thanking Him for His gifts.