As some of you know, my sweet Mama took a bad spill last week and broke her femur, so we’ve been a bit busy and haven’t had a chance to write more on the Advent traditions. We’ll continue! For now, I’ve been thinking about this, from last year. It seems so appropriate again. Perhaps it will speak to a situation in your life as well…
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We’ve all gotten one, right? The gift you didn’t ask for. The thing you’re not sure how on earth that person thought was just perfect for you.
Inwardly you think, This most certainly was not on my wishlist.
Out loud you say, “Oh, you shouldn’t have!”
I think we’ve all been there. You might be there again next week. *smile*
But what about when it’s bigger than the contents of a gift-bag?
What if you find yourself staring at the content of your life, overwhelmed, and find yourself, in weak or tired moments, saying these same words…
“I didn’t ask for this!”
I’ve heard these words, from others. I’ve silently said them, in my heart. Not necessarily talking about utter despair, but haven’t we all looked at some certain aspect of the hand dealt us, and shaken our heads,
This most certainly wasn’t on my wish list.
It’s silly, perhaps, whether I intend to or not, I subconsciously craft my life-wishlist. And then, each day is handed to me as a fresh gift of grace.
It is unwrapped and often there are squeals of delight.
But some days there are moans. Disappointment. Really? THIS is the gift for today?
I didn’t ask for this.
I’d venture to say we all have aspects of our life where we battle this. Sometimes I’m tempted to redraft my wish list, spend a little more time in prayer to let Him know, Whoops-a-daisy! I think you gave this to the wrong gal! I actually didn’t want this AT ALL. Thanks!
But He smiles. Patient.
“Oh no, dear daughter. I knew this gift was perfect for you. I know, it’s not exactly what you had in mind. But it’s so much better. It feels a little awkward when you first try it on. I get it. I knew it’d be a struggle for you at first. But I promise if you’ll just trust Me in this. I promise you’ll be so glad someday. I promise you’ll see that this was, indeed, the best gift for you.”
And so we take that sting of disappointment, or that ache of longing, or that weariness of carrying a gift that feels heavy and hard … and we ask the Father to help us see this gift the way He does. To help us trust Him in the meantime. To help us fight evil but love people. To see beauty in broken places and celebrate victories in the midst of what feels like disastrous failure.
Heavenly Father, our Good and Perfect God, thank You so much for the gifts you give us that we don’t ask for. The ones that aren’t on our wish list. The ones that feel confusing, just a little bit. Thank you that You love us so much, and that LOVE is what we rest in, no matter what we feel. Thank you that You equip us to carry whatever load you call us to bear. Thank you that Your burden is light and there is new mercies every morning. Thank you for Christmas. All Your gifts are good, and perfect.
{Thank you for reading.}