A wise lover values not so much the gift of the lover as the love of the giver. ~ Thomas á Kempis
You saved the hand-print ornament your son made in pre-school. It’s crazy colorful and doesn’t go with your other ornaments, but you proudly put it on the tree every year . . . and your son is 22.
You lingered this morning over the framed poem your daughter wrote for Mother’s Day in 2nd grade. It brings tears to your eyes every time. The letters are big and the words are misspelled but you cherish it . . . and you always will.
Love for the giver can make the smallest gift a masterpiece.
We are surrounded by masterpieces – real masterpieces.
- Sunsets
- Mountains
- Creatures
- Flowers
- Rainbows
- Family
- Friends
Amazing physical masterpieces given by God. Daily gifts.
Stop and notice.
He also blesses us with glorious spiritual masterpieces. Eternal gifts.
Stop and notice.
The gift of forgiveness through His only Son, Jesus . . . His very life, death, and resurrection–given to free us from sin, death, and the power of the devil and give us life. Abundant and everlasting.
The gift of the Holy Spirit, who loves us so much He lives in our sin-fiilled flesh and bone temples to guide and comfort us.
The Bible says that even with our weaknesses and failures, God wants to bless our lives with good for His glory!
And we know that God causes everything to work together or the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them . . . And having chosen them, He called them to come to Him. And having called them, He gave them right standing with Himself. And having given them right standing, He gave them His glory. Romans 8:28 & 30
His perfect love, His grace, and His mercy. Given by the One who loves us most and best. Love that heals our hurting hearts, our rebellious spirits, and our selfish behavior. Love that never fails. Given for our good and His glory.
Daily love. Eternal love.
So, no matter what your day looks like today. When you look around and your gifts seem to leave you wanting more or different . . . stop and notice the Giver’s love.
Stop for a moment of thanks, praise, and worship. Stop and love the Giver.
So good! So often I shout out my thanks and praise for the beautiful sky, the fall leaves, etc. But this is a great reminder to stop and give praise and thanks to the Giver of these good gifts!
I am writing on thankfulness at the moment as well. I am blessed by your words today!