Gift Opening 101

September 7, 2022

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Romans 12:6-8 NLT

Anyone grow up with a mother or maybe grandmother who was thrifty to the point of meticulously unwrapping a gift so the paper could be saved and reused? That was my mother when I was young. She urged us to unwrap slowly and carefully. She carefully split the tape and loosened the edges on her packages. Most often she got the gift completely unwrapped without a single tear in the paper, which she then folded and put away carefully for use at some unknown later date. The only casualty of her unwrapping was our attention span. We sighed and moaned as she chose to “waste time instead of paper,” in our not-so-humble opinions.

Since there was no punishment involved, as you can imagine, her urgings were completely wasted breath. We excitedly tore into our gifts, discovered what was under the wrapping with squeals and loud enthusiasm, and got to playing with it or trying it on as quickly as possible.

No disrespect to my impeccable and conscientious mother, but I am now three times a mother and nine times a grandmother. I have opportunities galore to scrupulously save paper or seize a gift with enthusiasm and joy. I get to watch my children and grandchildren eagerly anticipate what I will think when I see what they have chosen for me. Nothing thrills me more than to see them ripping apart the coverings over the things I have selected for them, laughing loudly with delight in their discovering or quietly smiling all over their faces. They can’t wait to put the gift to its intended use!

That’s how God wants us to feel about our gifts. In His grace He has given each of us gifts especially suited to us, chosen for us. Imagine His pleasure when you are excited and eager about what He has given you, not enviously comparing your gift with someone else’s. Think of how He feels about you when you tear into your gift and can’t wait to put it to use. You maximize it, using it generously, enthusiastically, excellently, and responsibly. You gladly and thankfully receive and share your gift with the people God loves. As you serve them you serve Him.

• What gift/gifts has God given you? Thank Him! How could you use one today?