Freely given. Freely taken.
Have you ever received a gift, and it was all you could do not to roll your eyes and wonder, ‘what were they thinking?’ You smile and say thank you, and try to figure out what you are going to do with it. Sometimes gifts are given because it is expected. This type of gift giving, makes both the giver and the receiver feel uncomfortable and obligated. Then some gifts carry an underlying current with them, like, why did she buy me this and her that, what did I do to make her mad?
When you give gifts, do you have to wonder if you are being fair to each person you gave gifts to? Are you afraid of being judged on the gift that you have given? Gift giving can be an art, which some are good at, and some not so good. Some people have a knack of knowing just the perfect gift each person would enjoy, or could use. Others struggle, mainly because they are disengaged from the person to whom the gift is intended. Then there are the gifts given by children who see the beauty of the gift in the purest form, and given in love. Sometimes these gifts are not expensive, or practical, but should be received in like manner in which they were given. One of my sons bought me a pair of earrings he bought at Santa’s secret workshop. They were a pair of black lips, and my surprise must have shown on my face as joy. Because I was thrilled over the gift my kindergartener chose for me. I have worn them many times, although I wear them vertically to make them look like art pieces. I still have them to this day, and they hold a special place in my heart.
When I had to go through the possessions of an estate I was in charge of, I came across box after box of gift wrapping folded inside the box along with the gift that was never used. What a waste! Not only didn’t the receiver find joy in the gift, the gift giver never got the joy of seeing it used.
Once a gift is given, it has been released from the giver. It is basically yours to do whatever you think is the prudent thing to do with it. Exchange it, regift it, sell it, or return it to the giver with an explanation of why you can’t use it. But to let it sit in a box for years untouched and unused is an insult to the giver.
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son. And with that gift comes eternal life. But you have to accept it, as freely as it is given. To use it you must unwrap it, and find joy in it, as it was intended by the giver. This is a very special gift that was given with you in mind, with unbounded love, to enjoy forever!
As parents we need to teach our children to appreciate each and every gift they are given. Never think they are entitled to extravagant gifts just for being who they are. Teach them the joy of giving should always be greater that the joy of receiving.
We as authors have the gift of gab, at least on paper. We in turn give that gift away and find great joy in people accepting the gift we offer. Just imagine how God feels when we freely accept the gift he gave to us in love. It is the proverbial gift that keeps on giving!
Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.
Proverbs 25:14
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
II Corinthians 9:7
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Luke 6:38
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16