“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” James 1:17

A Gift

When I gave birth to my daughter, I remember hearing myself repeat over and over in a very soft, astonished voice… “I had a girl. I had a girl.”

I also had a C-section, so very quickly after I announced my baby I was given pain medication that caused me to sleep most of the day. When I awoke, my room was filled with pink balloons and a soft pink baby doll in the bed with me that my dad had brought for his first granddaughter. It was a special moment indeed.

I had previously had a son who was my pride and joy and I was a little taken back by my excitement of my daughter. I was a boy mama or so I thought. I really had thought I would have all boys.

I loved dressing her and playing with girl toys like a toy purse complete with a large plastic lipstick. When she was two she attended her first ballet class. She danced in her mint green leotard with a pick satin ribbon tied around her waist… I teared up. I teared up at the unexpected blessing of the Lord. Something I had not sought.

I had trouble having a baby at all, so my only prayers were for a healthy baby no matter the gender. God knew parts of my heart that were even unknown to me. The wonder that He knows me that intimately and then He gives to me soooo lavishly is something that is so overwhelming it brings me to my knees in praise.

I am about to have my first granddaughter, again something that I believed would not happen. I ordered her a gift for Christmas. It had been weeks since I placed the order and many other packages were coming to the door. So when I opened a brown cardboard box to find a soft baby doll I was a little taken back…wow, a girl! My mind was flooded with memories. Tears upon tears. It is joy unspeakable again.

He wants for us more than we know or ask for ourselves. How can we not praise Him for His goodness! Our God knows what brings us joy. What brings you joy specifically? Look for it. What brings you joy today? Look for it and recognize it comes only by His hand. Praise Him for joys unspeakable!

Father, I praise You for Your goodness to me, and more importantly, Your knowing me better than I know myself. I trust You with my desires that may not be Your best for me and yet, what You bring me instead brings true joy. May I praise You in ALL things You see fit to give me. Amen.