Weeks ago, I was feeling anxious about Christmas presents.
When our children were small I tried to have the presents all purchased and wrapped by Thanksgiving so I could focus on their birthdays.
(Yes, three of our four children were born in December. No, we didn’t plan our children’s births, we were just thankful for each one.)
When our children began to leave home, I found purchasing presents too early caused problems, and I have struggled some with gift giving since then.
But I prayed about my struggle with fear, then spoke with my husband.
Within a very short time I was on the computer getting ready to hit place order, but there was a glitch with the mailing address.
My husband came to sort it out and I went to do other things.
When I returned he asked me to check my email and for the confirmation, which I did, but there was a problem.
The price was higher than it had been, upon inspection , I found four items purchased that I had put in my cart previously, but hadn’t ordered, and forgotten them.
Those items were the increase in the price.
My first reaction was frustration.
Why had I left those in my cart?
Why didn’t I scroll through the list?
I told my husband about the error and asked him if he wanted me to try to cancel the order.
He was completely calm and replied, “Nah, I’m sure the Lord has someone He wants us to give those things to.”
His calm demeanor helped me to stop berating myself and instead pray.
“Lord, I trust You. Please help me to hear You on who those items belong to.”
When the box arrived, I had fun wrapping the items which were designated for specific people, but I put the other items aside.
After some time and more prayer most of the items were easy to gift, except one.
A beautiful copy of Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, which I wanted to give to one of our daughters, but I was unsure which.
My memory hasn’t been great lately, and I do not trust myself.
So, I kept the book in the credenza and prayed.
Christmas was nearing and I was pretty sure which daughter I was giving it to, but doubt assailed me.
“What if I have already given her this book? Where is she going to keep it? What if she doesn’t even like this book?”
I finally decided to stop listening to doubt and wrapped the book for Bell.
On Christmas, I watched her unwrap it with a smile that did away with all my concerns.
“Mom, I love it! Thank you!”
Later that afternoon, I looked into the Family Room to see her curled up in a chair with a blanket and cup of coffee, reading the book.
“Thank You, Lord.” I whispered in my heart.
When we were working together in the kitchen, I asked her about the book.
“Yes, that is my favorite book!” Her smile lighting up the room.
“Really?! Why?”
“Oh, I don’t know. It feels like home. It reminds me of my childhood, growing up with sisters and being outdoors, play acting, and all the stuff we did. You know…I see myself in that book.”
Tears come easily these days and I had to work at keeping mine in check, for my heart just over flowed.
God knew what the perfect gift for her would be and He supplied it through an over sight on my part.
It’s another reminder that God is Sovereign and His ways are perfect.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word and the truth within. Thank You for blessing our daughter with her favorite book on Christmas. Lord, thank You that there are so many little things in this life that You use to do mighty things. Thank You that Your ways are not our ways. Please continue to teach me to not allow doubt or fear to rob my heart of peace or joy. Lord, thank You for Your salvation, the greatest gift of all! I love You, Jesus. Thank You for first loving me. Amen.
patientlyhopeful 