AUTHOR: Tess Reeves.
Have you ever been super excited to gift a bestie with a birthday surprise that you knew without a doubt would knock her off her feet? Did you have an image of what would her facial expression be when you handed it over?
The joy on her face would be priceless. You literally could NOT wait to celebrate with her, because you’d hit the jackpot of all gifts!
James 1:17 (NIV) “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
Finally, the day arrived. I ordered her favorite cake from her favorite baker. She lived far, but the baker was willing to drive 45 minutes to deliver this much anticipated item. It was a homemade gluten free carrot cake. I mentally patted myself on the back as I remembered my bestie’s dietary restriction.
A group of us ladies started with dinner out and then games at a friend’s house. Then came the finale’ CAKE! I was beaming with pride. She was not. I had ordered the wrong type of cake. It was a spice and not carrot cake that she favored. I hung my head and sighed. There were mumbles and grumbles about the fruit and nuts in the cake, how heavy it was, and on and on. At the end of the evening, the obligatory “thanks for the cake” was offered. My heart sank along with my bank account. Ah well….I tried to shake it off and not make a show of disappointment and hurt. After all, I am a mature adult, right?
I had forgotten about that incident until the Lord brought it up to me one morning in my quiet time. I had been mumbling and grumbling about my husband. “If he would only be less selfish with his time and read his Bible, things would be better for us. Lord, change him.”
And then, my patient and loving Father whispered. Remember how your heart sank when your friend complained about the gift you thought would be perfect for her? Keith is not a cake, but he is a gift I gave to you.
Ouch!
It was the first time I had ever clearly viewed my husband as a gift from the Lord. As the giver of good gifts, I was surely breaking His heart in how I was receiving that gift.
It’s so easy to be thankful for all the things WE view as good gifts in OUR eyes. How much more are we graciously receiving literally everything the Lord gives to us in the way of health, nature, friendships, and yes, even our spouses. Jesus is our perfect gift. Through the guidance of my Him alone, I am learning that He really does give good gifts. This gift of an imperfect husband is teaching the imperfect me how to give and receive love exactly like God, my perfect Father.
1 Timothy 4:4 ESV “For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving…”
AUTHOR: Tess Reeves. I’ve loved Our Creator for decades and never grow weary of hearing from Him. I was entrusted with Keith, my husband of 28 yrs. As if that wasn’t enough, he helped me to raise two magnificent daughters (Jessica, 25 and Jalyn, 22). I love our nondenominational church in Gainesville, VA and can be found regularly volunteering with our Outreach ministry. Nursing and Caregiving encourages my heart and keeps me connected with precious others.
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