Category: Gratitude, gratefulness, appreciation, gifts and giving

The holidays are over; the gifts opened, decorations packed away and the parties now memories. What about the gift you received which was not anticipated? You gave nothing in return, but they gave from their heart, thinking of you when doing so. Whether it was homemade or purchased, the gift wasn’t required. Did you thank them? The gift of being a gracious and appreciative receiver is as much a gift as receiving. Acts 20:35 NIV”…it is more blessed to give than to receive”. Is it also just as much a blessing to appreciate the gift received?

Do you have those times of trial when you are so diligently “hanging on” knowing that God loves you and His plans are the very best for you, but you feel as though the situation is looking dim? Many of you know the backstory of my life over these past 6 years and you also know that since April 2018, things have become even more challenging. Yet daily I cling to Jer. 29:11. God brings me the “gift” of others to remind me that God is with me. Then here comes ole Satan, trying to defeat my faith and strength in the Lord. How grateful I am for God’s gift to me in Deut. 31:8, “ He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed”

As we have God’s word with His promises for each of us, isn’t it a blessing to also have the gift of insight from authors, Christian speakers, evangelists and teachers? Sometimes their words put a new perspective on the bible. I’m grateful for the gift of the written and spoken word from others. I’m sure all of you reading this are frequently petitioned to read a particular book or listen to a specific radio program. I’m always gratified to have another perception of His word to us, even when I’ve read the same book, chapter or verse dozens of times. I Thess. 5:18 “in everything give thanks…”

You may be frenzied completing the remaining list of “to do’s before the family and friends arrive tonight or tomorrow. Perhaps no one is coming, but you will be “going”. There are also those of you whom have no one coming and nowhere to go. Having been alone for the past 6 years, I’m grateful this year I do have family to celebrate with, but I also know that “Only God” allows us to have friends and family in our lives. As I begin each day with my pastor, Chuck Swindoll’s devotion, his words today, reminded me of what I need to focus on daily, not merely at Christmas. I’ve never been one to desire to impress anyone, for as I shared with my children from the time they were very young and even now when they are middle-aged adults with children of their own, “if not for God” we would be nothing. As Chuck noted today, “Forget about trying to impress others by what you buy. Spend more time imparting what you already possess. Psa 9:1 “ I will give thanks to you Lord with all my heart.”

Are you still frantically running around to complete your Christmas shopping? Did you leave someone off the list and you’re fretting over what to purchase them? Are you giving gifts from necessity or obligation or just because you want to give from your heart? Why do you feel it must be tangible? Over the years, I’ve given countless gifts which had no expiration date, no design or décor, no flavor or fragrance. They wouldn’t be the incorrect color or size. My gift was an offering of a service; a night of babysitting, a meal when they were ill, a cake or dessert for a special event, keeping their pet while they were away, etc. Unfortunately, few have accepted my gift, but I made up little cards with the service listed, wrapped them in a lovely package and presented them with my utmost sincerity. Isn’t it wonderful that as celebration of our Lord’s birth is rapidly approaching, that many of us have not refused His gift to us? Acts 20:35…”it is more blessed to give than to receive.”

At times there is no greater gift than knowing someone is thinking of and praying for you when you are dealing with a difficult situation. It may be something relatively minor or perhaps a challenge which is greater such as health, finances, family, marriage or career. The following was sent today via an e-mail letting me know someone cared about me. During this busy holiday season why not give the gift of empathy? Gal. 6:2, “bear one another’s burdens…”

I began this gratitude blog as a way to remind myself and others of our blessings even when our hearts seem to be broken beyond repair. For 51 years I loved my husband as greatly as any woman could love her mate, but the love was not returned. Marital betrayal may be one of the greatest emotional sorrows to endure. As I continue to learn more about my ex’s affair and his love and care for the “other woman” I wonder how and why he could give to her all that he should have given me; his wife of all those years. As I go into another holiday season alone, I continue to diligently seek God’s plan and direction for my life, but above all attempt to thank Him daily that in spite of my sorrow, He brings us joy and blessings. Psa.9:1 “I will give thanks to you Oh Lord”…yes even through our tears, we can give thanks.

Have you ever felt discouraged and downtrodden from unkind or untrue words uttered about you? You knew those words didn’t accurately describe you, but you were hurt that someone would speak these untruths; especially when the words were from a spouse you loved and were committed to or from a child or a parent. However, God continues to bless me with His love and validation that I’m not the dark, evil and wicked person someone recently proclaimed me to be. In less than 3 days, I’ve had 5 separate individuals tell me that I possess a sweet spirit. My joy and spirit are gifts from God, which I’m always ready and willing to share. I thank God one of His gifts is to allow others to see He walks with me. Matt 5:15…let your light shine before others… the giftofgivingandgratitude.org

I received one of the most beautiful,unexpected gifts this week; the gift of kindness from someone whom noted she wanted to be a friend to me. As our bible study discussed the friendship of Jonathan and David, I had casually mentioned that God never blessed me with a true friend. I’ve had many acquaintances “for a season”, but when our lives changed so too did the friendship. True friendships endure changes and trials. Thus,casual friends would come and go from my life as circumstances changed. When I received a text from the gal in my bible study noting she would like to be a friend to me, I didn’t just shed tears. I sobbed! That was a hug from God, reminding me of His love for me, through the compassion of another. I Thess. 5:18, “in everything give thanks…” I can certainly say thank you for this gift God when I so greatly needed it.

With the holiday season upon us, purchasing that special gift for friends and family is a pertinent component for many on their holiday “to do” list. However, some of the greatest gifts a person can give or receive are those which are intangible and are given in love and sincerity. As my pastor, Chuck Swindoll cited in this devotion today, “Christmas is right around the corner. How about giving the gift of forgiveness, a cup full of kindness, a sincere phone call of grace to someone who would never expect it and might not deserve it . . . with no strings attached?”