Gifts That Connect Us

To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

John 1:12, NIV

Teaching elementary school gave me so many opportunities to do fun things with children. To this day, I often have a grab bag hanging on the back of my front doorknob so children who visit can reach in without peeking and retrieve a tiny inedible “sweet something.” From a rubber ball to a slap bracelet, each one has a “Smiley Faith” on it!

When Kali was growing up, I also created a “Smiley Faith” box for her by covering a box and lid with smiley face wrapping paper. Every day I was away, she could grab a “sweet something” from it—sometimes edible, sometimes not. I didn’t travel often, but I wanted her to know that she was always in my heart, whether I was near or far.

Spending time with children, particularly my own child, pushes me to God. I want only God’s best for my daughter, but I understand that I, as an imperfect parent, cannot begin to fathom God’s perfect parenting with me.

For instance, I have a strong desire to stay connected with my daughter when we cannot be together. But it cannot begin to compare with how strongly God wants to stay close to me, even while we are physically apart in this lifetime. He gives gifts to me along the way to let me know He still cares and thinks of me constantly. Gifts like peace, grace, hope, His Word, the relief of just talking to God in prayer, worship, fellowship with other believers, a role in His Kingdom work, and so much more—each gift lets me know He is there.

God in His great mercy and love is the Giver of all good gifts. His commitment to stay connected with us through Christ is His ultimate gift.

God yearns for us to receive what He has given us! Open your heart today and look for the “sweet somethings” He sends your way to let you know His Perfect Parent heart is always filled with love for you.