UNEXPECTED GIFTS AS THE HOLIDAYS APPROACH ...
As the holidays approached, I wondered how I would meet them. Yet another specialty medication wasn’t working out in the way we had hoped, and I found myself in a full-blown rheumatoid arthritis flare, longing for any kind of relief from the pain. I called my rheumatologist to report my condition, and his instructions were, “Lay low and be patient. We have to wait three months before your insurance accepts another change.” Reluctantly, I agreed to restart my prednisone, the only pain relief available for the moment, even though I knew it came with its own set of side effects. Unexpected gifts?
God, where are you ─ and why are my usual coping methods no longer acceptable?
TRYING TO COPE ON MY OWN
I used to be really good at “walking it off” when my mind filled with darkness. The satisfaction of a job well done could lift my eyes away from my problems, giving me a jolt of hope that maybe my problems weren’t so all-consuming after all.
Now? My body would not allow any walking, chore, or service. Caring for my basic needs took every available ounce of strength.
The low point came when I looked at the calendar and realized that Thanksgiving was only a few weeks away. We love having our adult children and their families gather at our home as we cook and eat through a day of feasting and fun, but this year, something had to give. There was no hope that I could prepare for that kind of gathering.
UNEXPECTED GIFTS OF HOLIDAY LAUGHTER
So we all agreed to meet at our favorite restaurant and eat our Thanksgiving dinner gathered around a public table, squeezed into booths and tables shoved together. The laughter flowed, the kids were too loud, and Grandpa’s “dad jokes” made us roll our eyes. We welcomed the unexpected gifts of love and fun.
No one was disappointed ─ except for me. I still had not allowed my heart to find the change that God offered me. I did not even think of looking for unexpected gifts.
A HARD LESSON
As Thanksgiving wound down, my daughters-in-law and daughter approached me with a suggestion: “Let us prepare everything for you when we gather at home this Christmas. It’ll be our gift to you.” Maybe it was an unexpected gift, but I wasn’t ready.
I tried to be gracious. I wish I could say I smiled and laughed and joyfully received their unexpected gifts. Instead, I cried. At least I was honest when I asked them to pray for me. “This is such a hard thing for me to surrender.”
UNEXPECTED GIFTS OF KINDNESS
It took the words of a dear friend to shake my heart out of its dry-as-a-desert-place. “You had better receive their gift to you. After all, they are giving the kindness you taught them throughout their growing-up years.” The same kindness I had taught them was now showing up as an unexpected gift from God during the holiday season.
Did I follow her advice or sit in the corner and sulk because I couldn’t make all the cookies, decorate all the rooms, and craft all the gifts the way I once did? I had moments contemplating that, but thankfully, I heard a more precious word from my Lord that caused me to change my perspective. His unexpected gifts were blessings to me.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17)
UNEXPECTED GIFTS FROM GOD
Even if our movements change and our tasks shift, the giving of our Father is always a constant. He has more to give us than just another way of coping. He is to be depended upon and will bless our days ─ painful or whole ─ with gifts of His choosing, always with our good in mind.
PRAYER
Father, As the holidays approach, walk closely with us. Enable us to view the possible changes and interruptions as unexpected gifts. When others reach out to help, may we accept their kindness. Thank You for always giving us good gifts. In Jesus’ name, amen.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
1. Think back on a recent change or interruption. How did you respond to it?
2. When has God surprised you with a good gift?
3. What reminder can you take from this devotional as you head into the holiday season?
Bettie Gilbert
Contributing Writer
You can find Bettie blogging from her home in the far north suburbs of Chicago at bettiegsraseasons.com. She is walking forward with Jesus in the middle of her pain and weakness from multiple chronic illnesses. The beauty of nature and her family (including ten grandchildren) are Bettie's joys. She and her husband have been married for over 40 years and take great delight in their weekend coffee breaks together. Abiding in Him is a devotional memoir written by Bettie and her husband, Barry.
Kindness Multiplied
As you think about the kindness you have received and how that made you feel, pass it on to others. Using these creative ideas to inspire kindness will multiply kindness all around you.
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