“You gave me these just to hurt me,” cried my five-year-old daughter from the back seat of the car.
She loved me to bring her little gifts when I picked her up after school. A friend at work would often bring me her children’s outgrown clothing or toys, and my daughter came to expect these gifts. On this afternoon, before I left work, I looked for something I could take her—something special from her mama. The only thing I could find was a small bag of potato chips from the vending machine. Although this was not the healthiest of snacks, I knew she would like them. I didn’t realize her lips were chapped, and the salt would make them burn. I hoped to please her with a little gift, but she accused me of intentionally hurting her.
How often are we like this with God? He gives us gifts each and every day, but we often complain. We may think He’s punishing us for some reason. He may give us sunshine when we want rain for our garden. Or He may bring rain when we want to spend time outdoors to enjoy a picnic with our family or friends.
We may become upset with Him for not answering our prayers the way we think He should. But He may be at work designing a gift for us that might result in a bigger blessing than we ever imagined. The Lord knows what lies ahead; we need to trust He has our best interests at heart.
Some of God’s little blessings are often overlooked. Have you considered these? A bird singing outside your window. A visit with a friend you haven’t seen for a long time. Maybe the gift of a family member who stops what he is doing to help you carry in the groceries when you bring them home. A hug from a child. Or hearing the words, “I love you.”
Little gifts and blessings can impact us in big ways. They’re even better when we share them with others.
Just as I wanted to do something special for my daughter that day, God desires to bless us. We need to be mindful of the little gifts He gives us every day and be thankful for them.
“Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words” (2 Corinthians 9:15).