Gift of the Heart

#179of365 #FaithBites #FaithJourney Gift

Most people like to receive gifts. They make us smile, give us a break, and most importantly tell us that someone else is thinking about us and loves us. There are times when we get so wrapped up in our lives that we don’t see other people or know that they are thinking about us. Today, I received two very small but thoughtful gifts. This morning one of our assistant deans brought in croissants, and this afternoon one of our students project in muffins his wife made. These small tokens really change how you think about the day and your importance to other people. Not only was my belly filled, which makes a happy Sol, but I understood I mattered.

How do you show that people matter to you? Do you give them gifts either physical or non-physical? Is it is a hug or a smile? Is it a cup of coffee or a beer for a job well done. Many years ago, my team worked long hours over a weekend to get a job done. When I came to work in the morning, there was a coffee cup at my desk, filled with candy. In it was a small note saying that you for the work you did. It couldn’t have cost over $4 for everything, but the thought changed my outlook on the giver and on my work.

Scripture on Gift and Giving

“A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.” – Proverbs 18:16

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7

Reflection and Charge

Many of us look for meaning in our lives. We pray, we strive, we challenge, and we live looking for that meaning. Sometimes that meaning is shown through the kindness and generosity of the Lord as all gifts come from him. (James 1:17). God is ever-present in our lives and we look for signs from him. Have you ever thought that those gifts friends give you are from God himself? Is he showing his presence in your life? This reminds me of an old joke:

The Drowning Man

A fellow was stuck on his rooftop in a flood. He was praying to God for help.

Soon a man in a rowboat came by and the fellow shouted to the man on the roof, “Jump in, I can save you.”

The stranded fellow shouted back, “No, it’s OK, I’m praying to God and he is going to save me.”

So the rowboat went on.

Then a motorboat came by. “The fellow in the motorboat shouted, “Jump in, I can save you.”

To this the stranded man said, “No thanks, I’m praying to God and he is going to save me. I have faith.”

So the motorboat went on.

Then a helicopter came by and the pilot shouted down, “Grab this rope and I will lift you to safety.”

To this the stranded man again replied, “No thanks, I’m praying to God and he is going to save me. I have faith.”

So the helicopter reluctantly flew away.

Soon the water rose above the rooftop and the man drowned. He went to Heaven. He finally got his chance to discuss this whole situation with God, at which point he exclaimed, “I had faith in you but you didn’t save me, you let me drown. I don’t understand why!”

To this God replied, “I sent you a rowboat and a motorboat and a helicopter, what more did you expect?”

While we may not need a rowboat, a motorboat, and a helicopter, we need his support in our lives. He shows that all the time, we just need to be open to it.

Do you show your love to others in small gifts and actions? Do you allow the Holy Spirit to flow through you in your deeds and actions?

I will show and allow with the help of God.