Generous Gifts

God’s blessings reward the humble, rising above those with polluted hearts.

Read Scripture: James 1:1-18

“What now!” I thought as I merged onto the busy highway. It was Monday, and I was driving my son to the airport. He was being deployed to Poland for the next 12 months for the military. We left the house about 20 minutes after we had initially planned. He was cool as a cucumber. I was a bit nervous inside, knowing it was important to show up a few hours early to check in. We thought we would still make good time, as we had 4 hours to drive 45 minutes away.

Pulling onto the highway, we noticed traffic coming to a standstill. One impatient driver decided to make a U-turn on the shoulder and drive in the opposite direction to exit on the on-ramp. Not long after, others thought that was a keen idea and followed, while cars were still entering the on-ramp.  We began to see the flashing lights up ahead. I was trying to be optimistic, but inside, my stomach felt like I was at the top of a roller coaster, getting ready to take the ride down. My son reassured me that his military precheck would get him on without any problems. No worries, he said! This was his usual calm and cool attitude.

We realized it had to be a pretty bad accident and said a short little prayer for those involved out loud with eyes open. Enough cars opened a large space around us that eventually we too followed and turned to exit the on-ramp. We were passing cars, still trying to get onto the highway. I’m sure they were very confused. We were trusting in God, we wouldn’t have our own accident on the way off the highway.

No matter which roads we took, they were all backed up; all the traffic exiting the highway was now backed up in the streets. It ended up taking us four hours to go the one-hour distance. We frantically said our goodbyes as we pulled into the airport, and he jumped out and ran with his heavy military bags as fast as he could.

Son Jonathan and granddaughters Makenna (4) and Kinsley (9 mths).

Oh, did I forget to mention we had his 9-month-old and 4-year-old children in the back seat this whole time? They were well-behaved during the ride and extremely patient. They napped, they played, we sang, they had snacks, but then, in the last 10 minutes of the four-hour ride, the 9-month-old began to cry. She was hungry, we had no more milk, and she needed a diaper change. While he exited like the superhero Flash, I found an open spot, pulled in, with the flashers on, and jumped into the back seat. Super Mimi to the rescue! I took the baby out, changed her diaper, gave her some Cheerios, and gave her sister a snack out of her lunch box. Then buckled them back in. As I jumped back into the front seat, I saw a text from my son that he missed his plane. Oh boy…now what!

If the kids weren’t in the car, I would’ve pulled right back out to leave. The crying baby was a gift from God, which is why we were still there. He jumped back in the truck and said, “Guess I get some more time with my girls!” He got on the phone and rescheduled a new flight for the next day. Called his organizer, apologized, and updated him on his new ETA. Then he jumped in the back seat to be with the girls.

His attitude that God allowed this to happen for a reason was inspiring. He listed out loud, “I don’t know why God had this diversion today, but he has gifted me more time with my girls, and the opportunity to finish a few things I didn’t complete during the move. Otherwise, you all would have had to take care of them for me. Plus, the rebooking was made in first class on the plane since that was the last available seat. No complaints here.” What I realized was that despite this one disappointment and obstacle, God showered us with many gifts in return.  

Gift of Father-daughter time.

The next day, we arrived at the airport in under an hour, with four hours to spare. The poor guy had to wait for an hour and a half to check in. There was less stress, and God gifted him just what he knew his heart needed. And the first-class seat on an 8-hour plane ride was a bonus!

I learned a lesson by watching my son navigate struggles. He gives thanks to God during trials and perseveres through challenges, turning to God even when others drag him down emotionally; he comes out desiring God’s blessings, and seeking God’s Crown of Life.  Because he knows God has shown him grace time and time again. Now I’m not saying it’s not terrifying during the trial. It’s the attitude and faith that pull you through it.

Gift of a do-over day.

When I read James 1:1-18, it resonated with me not only in this story of God’s promises, but of my own life story and those who tempt us with their evil ways. They dig deep into your wounds to see you react unchristian-like, and they attempt to drag us away from Godly behaviors and lifestyles. And those who have given birth to a sinful nature. We are in spiritual warfare daily, and we need to fight with our faith and Jesus at our side to win these battles against darkness. We can’t let them pull us from the hands of God.

God knows what is in our hearts. He knows that if we show love to one another, it is showing love to Him. He’s got this! He’ll take care of those who seek to inflict harm, hurt, and pain upon us and those we love. Our goal is to continue to seek the gift of the Crown of Life. To look upon Jesus for help and always stay on the path of kindness, love, and peace. God will take care of justice.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

Gift of the Crown of Life

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12 NIV)

1.    What trial in life did you have to persevere through?

2.    How did you stand firm in your faith during that trial?

The unopened Gift

“When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;  but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” (James 1:13-14 NIV)

1.    When have you been tempted to be dragged down by evil desires or enticed by sinful people?

2.    Did you act on this temptation?

God’s Gift of Grace

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17 NIV)

1.    God has the gift of forgiveness waiting for us. If you have not already, take this time to ask for forgiveness from God for acting on your temptations and weaknesses, and ask Him to help you overcome them with the transformation of a clean and new heart.

2.    If you are struggling with those who seek to inflict harm, hurt, or pain upon you, ask God for His strength and protection, for His help to live in the word of truth.

“He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.” (James 1:18 NIV)

3.      You were made new again through God’s grace. Let Him enter your heart and fill it with hope and purpose. Use this time to express your gratitude for His perfect gift through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. Let all his goodness pour out and shine upon you.

Pay close attention and count your blessings as you reflect on your day. You will be amazed for every one hardship, the shower of goodness God gifts you throughout your trials.

Gift of Gratitude

• Make a list of all the things you are grateful for that you count as gifts from God.

Examples: clouds, colorful skies, leaves, birds chirping, doggie hugs, cat purrs, toilet paper, soap, shoes, cooking pans, utensils, sunshine, car, money for gas, eyesight, and much, much more!