I’ve decided it’s time to stop trying to buck the tide and go with the popular trend in gift giving. Having come to that conclusion and decision, I’m buying a few gift cards. Here’s my reasoning: Number One, I need to accept the long-avoided reality that I honestly don’t know what to buy for some of the people on my gift list; Number Two, several provinces between family members mean postage expenses that often far exceed the value of the gift. Finally, I’m tired of battling crowds in malls and parking lots.
Not knowing what to buy for family members should be relatively easy since these days I only purchase for them. Still, I don’t blame myself because it seems even they don’t know what they need. Wants are usually beyond my and their budgets.
Gift cards enable us to span the distances without breaking the bank. I send a card; they do the buying and I’m off the hook for shopping. A trip through a cashier’s aisle provides an escape from the craziness of crowd and enables a quick return to the peace and quietness of my home.
Each of these reasons reminds me of the exchange of gifts between me and my heavenly Father. As unfair as it is to my way of thinking, I turn over my fears and my pain to Him who knows the deepest needs of my heart. He gives me what I need most, His peace. Even in those times when I can’t articulate my requests He knows exactly what’s best for me. As I yield my will and my life to His control He pours out His blessings in ways I could never have imagined.
“You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.” Psalm 30:11
