Gift wrapped

Mary’s Monday Musing to Quilt Encouragement

Gift Wrapped

 

My mother was a gift wrapper par excellence. She gave her creative abilities free reign when she wrapped a present. She matched the tones in the wrapping paper with the several kinds of ribbons she used to make all sorts of lovely looks on the outside of the gift. Her wrapped results were almost too pretty to unwrap, except the gift inside was also chosen with the same kind of care. Each present represented a lot of time and thought for something that was ripped apart in seconds.

 

I never had her knack for creating gorgeous packaging nor the inclination to try, but our God isn’t put off by the complex nor by time involvement.  Instead, God is interested in the packaging of our lives; and His infinite patience is never exhausted. He knows perfectly how to beautify our lives. His timing is perfect for presenting us with surprises which delight our souls—gifts wrapped in His love. Sometimes God’s gifts are tied up in the warmth of relationships with people. Sometimes His packages are covered with His beautiful favor extending where we didn’t expect. A sudden sense of His presence in our midst bestows an invaluable gift to our hearts.

 

All of God’s gifts don’t come in shiny, sparkling wrapping paper. Sometimes we find His gift of love involves getting our hands dirty, engaging with others. Sometimes we find His present under the plain, brown paper wrap of hard work. At other times we discover a package wrapped in smelly, old newspaper which we may think we should quickly discard. If instead of recoiling, we pray and carefully look inside, we may find the joy of restoration for our self or others. Occasionally, we find our gift wrapped in the gauze bandages of pain. But if we press through the distasteful outside, we may discover a hidden gift inside, a gift of healing, be it of body, soul, or spirit. Let’s stay alert to discover and savor God’s special gifts for us this Christmas season.