For years, every time I saw my granddaughter Caroline, she gave me a gift.
Although her brother usually beat her to my door on Fun Fridays at Gigi’s House, she was fast on his heels. The tiny girl, “no bigger than a squirrel,” as my husband says, greeted me with smiling eyes that sparkled with mischief.
“Gigi,” she’d say, clasping her hands together and bouncing with excitement, “I have a present for you!”
“Yes!” I always exclaimed with the proper enthusiasm, “I LOVE presents.”
She’d do a little happy dance, then bestow her treasure into my open palms with a flourish.
Sometimes she’d give me a sparkling jewel from her collection. (Don’t all princesses have jewel collections?) Other times her treasure was a painted rock. One time it was a worm, but I’ve forgiven her for that.
Her generous spirit and giving heart consistently looked for ways to share what was most precious to her. She’s a grown up girl of 10 now, but her generous heart still bestows blessings on me when I least expect it.
Caroline reminds me a lot of God.
Every time my heavenly Father and I spend time together, He gives me a gift. Sometimes it’s a sparkling jewel from His collection. (Don’t all kings have jewel collections?) A gold nugget from His Word, a gemstone of promise, or a sparkling insight into life.
Other times He gives me something He’s created—a sunrise that takes my breath away or a cool breeze on a sunny day.
A few times He’s given me something that didn’t look like a gift, but turned out to be one after all. Pain that pressed me further into His loving arms, a loss that reminded me of heaven’s hope, or suffering that refined my faith.
James 1:17 sums it up: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights.”
Caroline and her generous heart (not her presents) is one of God’s good gifts to me. She loves me unconditionally, wants to spend time in my presence, and delights to bless me.
She and the Father God who created her fill my life with good things. This guards my heart from disappointment and reminds me to focus on the gifts and the giver, not the things I wish were different.
Now it’s your turn. How has God shown you His generous heart this week? How does this help you battle disappointment? Leave a comment and share your blessings.
May I ask a favor?
If you’ve read my most recent book, Lord, I Believe, would you take a few minutes (less than 5, I promise) and leave a review on Amazon? Book reviews help other thoughtful readers find good books. I’d be SO SO SO grateful. My goal is to reach 50 reviews, and we’re only 15 away. Your review would bring me one step closer to my goal. Bless you! You’re the BEST1
Upcoming Speaking Events
I’m so excited to be speaking to the women of Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church in Columbia, SC on Valentine’s Day! (How LOVEly is that?) and to the women of Crosspointe Church in Lexington, SC, on February 21. The Crosspointe event is open to the public. Mark it on your calendar if you live in the area and stay tuned for more details!
Do You Know Someone with a Strong Faith Who’s Facing a Tough Situation?
What do you believe about God? Do you believe that He can restore? Or that He answers prayers? Do you believe that He delights in you?
As you spend 60 days in these devotions, Lori Hatcher will reassure you of who God is and who He says you are. In each meditation, you’ll find:
- A biblical truth you can claim to rebuild your faith in the toughest circumstances
- Comforting assurances from Scripture that God is with you and for you, no matter what
- Encouragement of God’s delight and joy in you always
- A prayer and biblical affirmation to remind you of God’s steadfast presence and unwavering promises
- Heartwarming, story-centered readings from popular devotional writer Lori Hatcher
Spend just a few minutes each day with these devotions, and let your heart find strength in the reassurance of God’s unending love for you.
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