Gift-giving has always been a struggle of mine. I use the term "struggle" loosely here because I know it's not a sin to be a bad gift-giver, but it certainly is not one of my spiritual gifts or one of my love languages. I mean, I love giving, of course, but not so much on the buying-choosing-wrapping-etc. part of it. It seems now more than ever emphasis on giving and presenting that perfect gift is all over the media and internet as well. Whether they want you to buy their product or wrap it up in their shiny bow, it's all over the top on presenting the perfect package. But isn't it funny what gifts really come down to. I want to give you this so you don't have to buy it. I saw this and thought of you and I hope you'll like it. You said you needed this, but would never buy it for yourself. Your reason should make it perfect, right? Not the beautifully decorated and multifunctional basket used instead of wrapping paper or their score on the uniqueness charts.
I am way behind on some gift-giving for some precious babes that have come into the world lately. Since May, one, two, three, four of our friends and/or family have welcomed new babies to their families. Oh, and two more are coming soon! That's 6 baby gifts! This makes my gift-giving anxiety sky rocket. Plus, it's Maddy's birthday next week. My baby girl will be 3! I can't believe it. Luckily, giving her gifts is not that hard, but still.
Really, though, I know I should be rejoicing at the arrival of all these exciting blessings and not stressing over the fact that I need to find that perfect gift. Gifts, truly, are from God....not the store or our favorite baby boutique. His great gifts are abundant and so much more than we really need. As I've been sorting through baby things preparing Hudson's room, I've notice how I really don't need all the crap...I mean stuff we really thought we needed with Maddy. I stressed out so much on crossing every tiny thing off the list that Babies-R-Us told us we needed and now, as a seasoned mother, I see their scheme. Let's make this huge long unnecessary list and pray on first time mother's weakness and fear of you need all of this stuff to become a good mom (insert evil laugh here). So, I will still give gifts. I will still accept gifts of course. But the need part of the gift-giving has gone away for now. I'll never be a a perfect gift-giver because their is only one and He gave a way lot more of himself than I could ever give a new mom or a baby or a friend or my daughter.
James 1:16-18
Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
Truthfully, the things I give will be packed away or not in use most likely in a year or so. Nope, the bibs I buy or the onesies I wrap up will have stains or have shrunk just like most baby clothes do. But the everlasting eternal gift from Jesus Christ is forever. I pray you know about this gift and cherish it each time you give or receive something...no matter what it is.
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