During this time of Lent, I find it important for me to remember and ponder the greatest gift—the one that God our Lord gave freely–his only Son, Jesus, who died and rose again in order that I may live and receive eternal life.

Think about a time recently that you received a gift.  Think about how you felt when you received this gift.  It is a great feeling.  About one year ago I received a very special gift from my landlord.  I won’t go into the details, but the gift was overwhelming to me as this person is not a relative or family member.  Yet the gift I received was something of such value that I believed only a relative or family member could possibly give it.

Now think about a time that you gave a gift to someone else.  You had intended to provide this gift.  You had thought it through very carefully.  You were so excited to give this gift to that person(s).  These are the kind of gifts that are more about the giver than about the receiver.  Sometimes these gifts are truly a sacrifice, but yet you desire for another to have it.  My mother-in-law recently gave to Chris and me something that she wanted to give, and very carefully thought through.  She could hardly contain herself till it was time to give us this gift.  She had a look of joy and anticipation as we carefully opened our present.  What a beautiful way to give a gift to another!  That memory is something I will keep and cherish for the rest of my life.

A few summers ago my mother visited us in Michigan from her home in Texas.  The first night of her stay she indicated a desire to take us to Mackinac Island for the weekend.  It was in the middle of the summer, so the rates to stay were at their peak.  I was trying to convince her that this was simply not the time to go to Mackinac Island.  My mother would not be swayed.  She was determined to take us to Mackinac Island for the weekend.  This is where I learned the lesson of Receive the Gift and Enjoy the Gift.  I did not at the time think about the giver.  I was more concerned about myself as the receiver and did not think my mother should spend that much money.  I have since learned to receive the gift and enjoy the gift, no matter what the other person has had to pay or sacrifice to give it.  You honor the giver by truly enjoying the gift.  Not by questioning the gift; not by trying to convince them otherwise; but truly enjoying the gift.

Last spring, Chris and I read about some very influential people who had made a difference in our community through their efforts.  Because of what they had provided to others, we wanted to “gift” to them the Kolbe A(tm) index.  We believed the knowledge, awareness and insight we would provide to them personally could spread their leadership influence further to have even greater impact for our region.

I was totally committed to providing the gift.  I was looking to this effort with joy and anticipation.  Of the 50 people we provided this gift to, only five accepted.  I was devastated.  In that instant I realized how God the Father and Jesus Christ feel when we don’t fully receive the gift of eternal life that Jesus’ death and resurrection provides.  The Father provides the gift of his only Son, Jesus, to be our sacrifice and to save us from our sins.  We need only to accept the gift.  Jesus said, “Here I am!  I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20).  I have seen this depicted in a picture.  Jesus is on the outside of the door and all we have to do is open it.  A gift freely given, but the greatest gift of all—our eternal salvation.

Last night I received a phone call and a gift.  It was the gift to attend the Detroit Pistons game on Sunday, and to arrive there by private jet!  I was overwhelmed.  Whatever the gift is that someone gives to me, I want to stand ready to Receive the Gift and Enjoy the Gift!  I am so thankful for Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross that saves me from my sins.  Let us all celebrate during this time of Lent and be forever grateful for our redemption. 

This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 11th, 2008 at 2:32 pm and is filed under Articles.