A Christmas Gift

Remember I said that Christmas is my favorite holiday? Well it's practically here and I can't tell you how happy that makes me! I love the whole atmosphere of the Christmas holiday. I love the smell of a freshly cut tree and the lights that grace the branches to give it just enough sparkle. I love the ornaments that hang on each branch and the sentiment they add from previous years. I love the warmth of the fireplace and the sound of wood crackling while we enjoy our apple cider and childhood Chrismas movies and the sound of laughter and conversation as we mingle with loved ones is something I always cherish.
There are lots of things I love about this time of year but my favorite is celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ-Our wonderful counselor, Almighty God, Prince of peace, and Everlasting Father. The savior of a world who could not save itself.
I know there are many people out there who feel "bah humbug" because of our economic crisis this year, but not this gal! Christmas has never really been about how much I had to spend on a gift for someone or how much they spent on me.
But let's say you could have any gift on earth. Now, close your eyes and think about one gift you've always wanted. If you could have any gift what would it be?
I know what I was hoping for, but I got something even more precious.
Before I tell you what I received I have to share my favorite bible verse- "Now faith is being sure of what we've hoped for and certain of what we do not see."Hebrews 11:1
I am going to leave you hanging for a moment before I tell you what I received, because I want to tell you about a different type of gift-A Spiritual gift. Each of us as christian's possess at least one of these. I have been given the gift's of mercy and discernment.
Have I always used them to glorify God? Not always, especially when I was a younger christian. I don't think I understood quite how to use them but through growing in my relationship with Christ, I have not perfected, but I have come to a better understanding of how to use them for HIS glory.  I know that a gift is something you give, and that we give without expecting anything in return, but that's not to say we can't benefit from gift giving, especially when it is out of our obedience to the holy spirit.
What I love about God is He will stir things up when you least expect it!
I had one of the most exhausting weeks since the night I went into labor with Jude. It was exhausting physically and emotionally. Stephen was out of town, we had all been sick the past few weeks, and Jude was going on week 3 with an ear infection.
I finally decided to call the doctor and make an appointment to see if there was any thing else they could give him. She said, no problem come on in.
I had been constantly praying for him and just hoping for some comfort for him as we drove to the doctor's office. As I was praying for Jude, God placed a burden on my heart to pray for a missionary friend who's mother passed away less than a year ago.
Out of my obedience to the Lord, I prayed and felt the need to just let her know, so I sent her a very short message in her facebook inbox and headed on to Jude's appt.
We saw the doctor and she gave Jude something for his ears but he was still very fussy that night, so I decided to take him for a ride and visit my grandparents. We got there and were chatting about this and that. Nothing serious, just small talk and lots of laughter...except when I got ready to leave.
All of you know my relationship with "Dad"(my grandad) is very, very special and we are very close, so you can imagine what it did to me when he said, "I would like to get a box and put a few things of mine in it so Jude will have something to remember me by." As I choked back a tidal wave of tears, I confidently said, "I would like that and don't worry, he will remember you." Now, remember I don't cry in front of anyone, so when I got Jude buckled in and reached the end of their driveway I cried like a baby!!! The thought of anything to do with my Dad not being here to see my children grow up or for me not to have his wisdom and guidance on a daily basis made me sob.
When I got home, I put some soft music on for Jude to get him settled down and put him to sleep, all the while just sobbing at the thought of all of those things about Dad. I know God was preparing me to use my gift and use it well. If any of you have mercy as a gift, then you understand how extremely deep we hurt for others. I really believe God was using this to prepare me to know how to comfort someone who was hurting over the loss of a loved one. I believe this because of what follows.
I realized Jude was asleep, put him in his bed and out of habit checked my facebook before I went to bed. I noticed I had a message in my inbox. It was from my friend. Turns out she had a really rough day and was struggling with missing her mom that day. I won't go into any detail other than to tell you that God's sovreign hand was working that day.
He allowed me to use my gift of mercy to help a friend who's family, and her are on the other side of the world. It put so much back in perspective for me to see God's hand working even though my friend and I are on opposite ends of the world right now.
It reminded me that we can't afford not to be obedient. It reminded me of how close to us God is and it reminded me that the brother and sister bond that we share in Christ, is more than the superficial relationships that we tend to be much too comfortable with.
All of this is what makes Hebrews 11:1 so special. I am confident in my faith and just as I can't see the wind only the effects of the wind; I can not see the great God I serve, but oh how I see the effects of his mighty hand.
The greatest gift I received this year came from my gift of mercy. It is a gift from my almighty, sovereign God. This gift is one that only faith can comprehend. It is greater than any tangible gift anyone on earth could give me. This gift can not be summed up in one word only to say that it is a reminder. It is God reminding my friend and me of just how much He loves us, cares for us, and that He NEVER leaves us.
Talk about a Christmas gift that will keep on giving!
 Merry Chrismas everyone!!