Its that time of year. Christmas – the time of year for gift giving. My lists are made, I have money saved up. I am hopeful my loved ones will enjoy the gifts I’ve picked out, purchased and wrapped. There’s so much pressure to give the perfect gift – A gift that brings joy to the heart of your friend or family member.
I can remember a lot of Christmas gifts from my life time. Some were a result of great sacrifice, many out of love. There’s a particular gift that comes to mind.
Michael and I had been visiting my parents in Michigan for Christmas. We had loaded up our Honda CR-V, buckled Emily into her seat and headed for Chattanooga. As we traveled the highway south the road was packed with holiday traffic. We were approaching a complicated intersection when a large gray pick-up decided for us that we should move to another lane.
We landed on the other side of the interstate after rolling across three lanes of traffic. My baby, Emily was crying hysterically in the back seat. Michael and I, still in one piece had cuts and bruises. The car was resting on its side, so my husband was hanging from his seatbelt until the emergency services rescued us.
Really, I didn’t have a rational thought at that point. Not that I remember. Nothing spiritual or sentimental other than prayers that God would help us. This gift was NOT on my list.
If you had asked me prior to this occasion whether I believe that God is in control, and that He is the giver of all good gifts I would have said yes. That would have been the answer I would give. Its the one I learned from childhood. However, when you’re hanging upside down in a car, its hard to remember. How could God let this happen and ruin my Christmas?
When I was able to think clearly, once the cuts and bruises were healed, I came to a different understanding. You see, after the accident I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that God truly was in control and that he had supernaturally kept my family safe through a terrible situation. The more that time passes, when I recall the event, my faith becomes cemented in my heart and mind – its no longer a childhood answer. It is the gift of faith, given directly and intentionally to me from the Heavenly Father.
Recently I heard of a friend who’s infant daughter is facing a life threatening illness. At first I was angry at God. How can you do this to such a precious family, God? What kind of gift is that? And at the holidays. Disgust swept through my heart. But He spoke to me, even in my anger – “The gift is not the illness, my daughter. The gift I want to give them is a deepened faith.”
What I know in my heart of hearts is that following faith is hope, joy and peace. They are just around the corner, waiting to burst onto the scene. It is a gift unlike any other. As you are able to believe that God is who He says he is, there is hope for tomorrow. There is joy unspeakable and He gives peace that is indescribable.
Sometimes His gifts are unexpected. Sometimes they do not seem to be what we asked for. But His gifts are always good. He knows how to give the perfect gift.
“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gifts!”
md
(written on December 4, 2009)
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