Early on in my marriage, I struggled with buying gifts for my wife. Some she really enjoyed while others were miserable failures. It seemed so confusing to me then, even to the point that I dreaded birthdays, anniversaries and Valentine’s day. But things are different today. The change, however, has taken place in me and not her.

    Two simple things happened that helped me not only buy better gifts, but to gain confidence in the gifts I buy. First, I’m really getting to know her. We spend more time talking about a much wider variety of subjects and I’ve made the commitment to her that I’ll be honest and not just try to tell her what she wants to hear. Because she’s made the same commitment to me, we’re becoming more like the “one flesh” God always intended. Secondly, I listen and watch more for the things that interest her. It’s amazing how many gift ideas she gives! Sometimes they’re verbal clues... “Mark, look at this, isn’t it beautiful.” “That’s a pretty dress, but the color just doesn’t look good on me.”

    At other times they are more subtle, yet still clear... the magazines she enjoys, the ad papers she looks at, the things she buys for herself all give me clues about her interest and desires.

Every good and perfect gift is from above...

    All this has benefited me spiritually too. Besides a much better relationship with my one and only here on earth, I’ve begun to understand God’s gift giving too. He knows me as well as I know myself. He listens to me and watches for what I need in life and then gives me good and perfect gifts. It’s not a random process. His gifts are given through love and careful consideration of my specific needs. James puts it this way: “Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:16-17)

    Every good and perfect gift we receive is carefully chosen by our Father in heaven. Just for us. Just in time. They’re a result of his unchanging and undying love for us. Don’t let the daily distractions of life, or the selfish desires of your flesh keep you from enjoying the perfect presents you receive from the Father who knows you and loves you!

Father, I want to thank you for all the good and perfect gifts you give. You know just what I need. You truly are the one who cares enough to send the very best. Thank you for the way to tend to me with such love and careful consideration. Show me the way to reflect that gift-giving nature to those around me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

From The Online Devotional mailing list. To join, send an email to thedsmith@aol.com with the subject "SUBSCRIBE TO DEVO."

Title: "Perfect Presents"
Author: Mark Waltenbaugh
Publication Date: November 27, 2001

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