Yesterday was Thanksgiving Day in the United States. Pam and I shared a meal with long-term friends and their kids, and part of their yearly tradition is to express gratitude for something before eating. It’s always fun to hear the things that everyone from a 7-year old to a 70-year old grandad gives thanks for.
I couldn’t sleep last night (which frequently happens), so I spent some time thinking about other things for which I’m grateful. Here’s the one thing that came to mind that might be surprising to you: I’m grateful Pam and I can give to others. Let me explain why I thought about that.
We don’t have children, but we do have next generation folks who look to us as parents and grandparents. I’m especially thinking of one young guy who’s very much a son to me. He and I aren’t walking the same path spiritually, but we share a fascination with nature. Recently, he and I were observing stars through a telescope Pam and I purchased for him—and the sky was just amazing. For me to look through a lens and see the God-designed rings of Saturn and the “stripes” around Jupiter was just astounding.
What delighted me, though, was watching this guy’s eyes light up as he, too, gazed at the stars. It thrilled me to see his excitement over a single gift–a telescope–Pam and I gave him. Just a few minutes of quietly watching him that night made the giving worth the cost.
I thought again last night about that scenario, and these Bible verses came to mind as I considered God’s gifts to me in my own life:
- “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17)
- “He will delight in you with singing.” (Zeph 3:17)
- “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?” (Luke 11:13)
I think about it all this way today: God delights in giving us good gifts—first and foremost, Himself—and surely He delights when our hearts leap because of His goodness to us. He calls us back to Him and launches celebrations even among the angels when we come home. He sings when we sing.
I know how much joy I have today in giving to a son who is not my blood relation; so, I cannot imagine God’s great joy when we’re pleased in Him as He graciously gives to us. I cannot fathom the heart of a God who gives so sacrificially and joyfully to a people who once rebelled against Him–and who then sings at their return. It’s simply beyond my comprehension.
I’m thankful today not only for God’s giving heart, but also for His calling us and allowing us to give, too. I pray my heart reflects His.
