The Perfect Gift

 

 Recently I celebrated my birthday with my family. We had a lovely day together. At the end of the day, they gave me a large box. It was a very thoughtful present. Looking at it, I imagined how perfect the gift was for me. I was very grateful.

 A week later, the large box was still in the room I received it. It did get pushed from one side of the room to the other, so people didn't have to walk around it. My granddaughter and I had fun drawing pretty pictures on the outside of the box. It still has yet to be opened because I need to learn how to build it. I feel bad because I would really like to use the gift, but I'm afraid to try. I might do it wrong.

 Are there people who approach the gift of faith the same way? Our faith is a beautiful gift from God. A gift that was definitely meant to be unwrapped and used. So many fear speaking about their faith because it might not be politically correct. That is a shame.

 Jesus didn't come to be a political ruler. He came to rule our hearts. Speak His Truth. It's beautifully contained in the Bible. But God never intended for the Word to stay on the pages. He wanted it written on our hearts and proclaimed with love. Don't make God wonder if you will ever use His gift; show God that you can't get enough of Him!

-Susan

  

Loving and Mending

 

 My granddaughter asked me to fix her favorite doll, Dolly. She had a small rip in the arm. She watched me closely as I sewed up the area to ensure I was doing it right. When I finished, my granddaughter was so happy and lovingly hugged her doll. “Honey,” I said, “I noticed another little area with some loose stitches. Can I also take care of that area before it becomes a hole?”

 “What?” My granddaughter replied. “I didn’t even see that.” She examined the doll carefully. “Yes, you can fix it. I don’t want anything to happen to her.” A few minutes later, Dolly was all stitched up and looking marvelous. My granddaughter was thrilled.

 I wish people were as easy to fix when they are torn. It’s hard to watch people we love hurting. It’s also hard to warn someone to reconsider their actions because you fear things may begin to unravel. It’s also tough being the one who is falling apart.

 I used a needle and thread to fix Dolly. Dolly couldn’t fix herself. She needed someone to love her enough to ask for help. Moved by love, our prayers can tug on God’s heart to heal those in need. We may not know where to begin, but God does. Perhaps making you aware was His first move. “Love one another” isn’t just a beautiful scripture passage; it is the thread God chooses to hold us all together.

-Susan