“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”

2 Corinthians 9:15 ( NIV)

A Gift of Love

A gift- something voluntarily given to another person in order to show appreciation, thankfulness, love. We receive many gifts in a lifetime: monetary gifts, material gifts, gifts of time and talent, and gifts of love. But, do we stop to reflect on the heart of the giver and what they truly want us to receive?

Being a teacher, I receive gifts and tokens of appreciation almost on a daily basis. One September morning a student entered my classroom with a bright smile and a small blue satin pouch. As Tamra handed me this gift, I asked if the gift was for me. As I opened it, I found a small stuffed horse and a folded picture of Tamra with her fourth grade science project. I immediately asked if she was sure that she wanted me to have this. She was adamant that I keep the gift for my desk so I could think of her. Two weeks later I received a phone call on a Sunday afternoon. Tamra had been hit by a car and was going to die. All I could think of was the gift she had given me. Had I shown her my true appreciation for her gift or was my thankfulness masked in making sure she really wanted me to keep this prize possession?

God has given us a most precious gift. He sent His son to Earth to die for our sins. The gift of Jesus and his death on the cross for our sins is a gift we all need to accept with genuine appreciation. Forgiveness is a gift you will never regret accepting. As we prepare for Good Friday and Easter Sunday we must be ever mindful of the precious gift we have been given. God's gift was given many years ago, yet today He wants nothing more than for us to open our arms and accept it with true thankfulness. It is a gift with which we must embrace, welcome, and appreciate. Take time to show true appreciation to God, being grateful for His gift of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Lord, allow us today to show you our true appreciation for the gift of your Son. May we be ever mindful of the power of this gift and the presence of Jesus in our lives. Thank you for your most indescribable gift! It is in your holy and precious name we pray. Amen.

TARYN SMITH