Cherish the Gifts and the Giftgivers!

Each gift we are given in life is something to be cherished and thankful to the one who gave it. Birthdays, Christmas, Graduations, Baby Showers, Wedding showers, etc…we get gifts…We then send out Thank You notes letting those who gave the gift know we are thankful for their thoughtfulness. How often do we write God a thank you note for the children he has gifted us with? Children are such a precious blessing and one of the greatest gifts God can give. In Psalms 127:3 it says, “Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him.” When we deliver a child we often think, “wow, I went 9 months and now this child is finally here and is ALL MINE. What we often forget is that, although the child is ours, without God, there would be no child, nor would we be here. He is the divine creator and giver of blessings day to day. Have you ever played the game at Christmas time where you draw a number and pick a gift and then the next player can take your gift or choose another one if they want? You may end up losing the initial gift you got, but there is another one sitting there waiting to be opened. If we sit and get upset that the thing we opened was taken away and we never reach down to open the next one we will not see what other things there are to be blessed with. I have a friend whose family member’s son had been drinking and was hit by a train the other night and died. What we, as parents often forget is that even in our fleshly mistakes God still loves us and ultimately our children our HIS because He gifted us with them to begin with, so our time here on earth is not something we should take advantage of or feel we are privy to longer life, etc...Something I constantly am teaching the boys and I too have learned is that we may not be given one more day, so we need to live each and every day as if it's our last and we are put here on this Earth to be a blessing to others and shine a light for the darkness around us...we often get lost in the dark and lose our flashlight or ability to go pick it up and turn it on...People begin pointing fingers at God, "how could you do this terrible thing..." When what they forget is that we, (as in America/the world in a whole) has tried so hard to remove God from everywhere, schools, constitution, etc...and then when tragedies occur it is then that we ask WHERE WERE YOU GOD? We dont' turn to God until something bad has happened, when in actuality, we need to be daily turning to Him and letting him lead and then we will be in accordance with his will and we will know more of what his plans are for our lives and it won't be as hard to cope with when things happen. We will have a stronger relationship with Him built up knowing we can rest in Him for the strength to pull us through the rough waters. I am asking for prayer for this friend, and the parents of this boy who was killed. They need an extra comfort and strength right now that only God can give. I pray that we all cherish our children each and every day and do what we can to keep them safe and teach them right from wrong, but stand beside them if they do make a mistake. Encourage them, pray for them and with them. Thank God on a daily basis for them and remember that they belong to Him , just as we do. We are all His children if we have accepted Him as our Savior. He loves us and when tragedies occur we don’t’ always have a “why” but we know there is a HOW with His help and his healing. He always has a reason and a divine plan. In Jeremiah 29:11 (I love this verse) it says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you HOPE and a future.”
Lord, I come before you asking for healing for this family. I thank you for the gift of children and for the years they were given with their son . I pray that they will cherish each of the memories they have and will not grow cold hearted towards you, but will rather cling tightly in this time of hurting. Let them know your arms are there to rest in Father. Guide them and bring people into their lives who can be a support and strength as well. Take this earthly tragedy and use it for your glory. We love you Lord and praise you for your salvation you give, your strength, the air we breathe, and everything we have. It is yours God, not ours..Thank you for letting us borrow it while we are residing here on Earth temporarily. May we store up heavenly treasures and be a light to all those who need shined upon. Be with each of us and all of my friends and their families, and keep them safe as they go through their days. May they always look to you in the good and the “bad.” May we all see that often you let things occur to show us a greater purpose that we were not aware of. I love you Lord and give you all the praise. I ask this in your name, Amen.