Monday, December 21, 2009

Free Gifts

These all came together in my mind and heart yesterday and I thought I'd share them with all of you. I've been thinking about things I can give that don't cost anything and this is what God brought to mind. So here are four gifts that can be given this holiday season (and beyond!) and you don't even need your debit card.


The Gift of Grace
For yourself. For others. I think I am hardest on myself and expect more out of myself than maybe I should sometimes. Maybe you are the other way around. Whichever is the case, we all could use a little more grace. Yelling less. Loving more. Encouraging your husband. Appreciating your wife. Focusing on your families good qualities instead of the annoyances. We all have been extended more grace than we deserve.

The Gift of Peace
Ya know that grudge that you've been holding onto for far too long? That fractured relationship that could use some mending? The seed of bitterness that has started to take root? This gift is so easy to imagine, but so difficult to execute. Maybe it can start with just a turn of the heart; going to that family gathering planning to be peaceful despite what comes your way. I am working on this gift myself. 

The Gift of Joy
There has been so much recent pain in the lives of people I know. Grief that I know all too well. One of my favorite verses has been Deuteronomy 30:19 where we are told to 'choose life' and I suppose I kind of equate that 'choosing joy' since the word life feels so arbitrary to me. This could be simply getting out of bed and getting dressed. It could be deciding to smile more. Dusting off His Word that has been laid aside for far too long. Choosing to focus on 'life' instead of on 'death' or whatever has been lost. Joy is a gift that we must choose to give ourselves and will overflow into the lives of others. (In other words, if Mama ain't happy, nobody ain't happy!)

And last but not least....

The Gift of Hope
Hope is such a powerful thing. I know I've said this before, but I just like to say it a lot: As long as there is life, there is hope. Don't give up, look up. Whatever it is you are facing: an unhappy marriage, a desperate job situation, the loss of the life you thought you'd have, a broken spirit, God is our hope and with Him all things are possible.


I don't say it often enough, but you are all gifts to me. Your friendships. Your comments. Your companionship along the road of life.


Thank you.


Which gift do you need the most? I think, for me, it's hope.

8 comments:

Christy said...

Beautiful post. I really needed to read that. The gift I need the most is Hope, too. I think I have the others. And I hope I keep them.

chadandnikki said...

This is wonderful. I'm definitely thankful for the gift of hope this year.

Stephanie said...

{Tears are here}

I need them all desperately...

And I truly cherish your friendship. Words just can't express!

Jeana said...

That was so beautiful, such a wonderful way for me to start my day, thank you. I'm definitely working on the gift of peace this year, and joy, making sure the good stands out much more than the bad...oh all of them are needed here:) Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family.

Monica said...

The gift of Hope has been huge this past year! I am praying for you this Christmas. So much to be happy for, but also so much to grieve.

Beth said...

Thank you for sharing this, Becki. I really needed to hear this...in need of a little hope here too. ;-) Have a Merry Christmas.

jorgy said...

Thank you for the reminder!! I definately need the gift of Hope the most. My husband has been out of a job for over a year and it is only hope that keeps my spirits up.

Praying for you!

Stephanie said...

That was so awesome! I'm going with Hope!