Daily Power #336

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17)

Both my parents were tremendous givers, but my dad remains one of the most generous people I’ve ever known. When I was a kid, he gave me a rookie Nolan Ryan baseball card from 1968. We lived in Houston then, and Ryan, one of the greatest pitchers of all time, played for the Astros. Today, in mint condition, that little card is worth about $1,500, but to me, both as a kid and now, it’s priceless.

I’ll never forget the joy my dad had presenting that card to me. And I was blown away and couldn’t believe it. I wanted to give something equally special and cool and meaningful to him, but it was tough as a kid. However, thirty-something years later, I happened to be in a sports store and saw an autographed picture of Nolan Ryan pitching. It was way out of my budget, but I had to get it and couldn’t wait to give it to him.

When he opened it, he just smiled and shook his head. Then he said, “Whoa, son, that’s a grand slam, home run, out of the park!” He’s always talked in baseball slang and baseball metaphors. If he wants to ask me how my preaching went last week, he’ll say, “How was it on the mound? Keep it down the middle, low and inside.” That’s how much he loves baseball. But it doesn’t come close to how much he loves me.

Who’s the most generous giver you’ve met? What did you learn about giving from them?

Power Lift

Lord, you take delight in surprising your children with good gifts. Let that be my motive for all the gifts I give this holiday season—to show others your unexpected, crazy-generous love.