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Emma Kate stood before my Christmas tree and pointed to a package beneath it.

“Lolli,” she said in her sweetest 2-year-old voice, “that’s a little present, and I’m a little girl. Can I open it?”

It was so difficult to say, “No.”

She didn’t wait for me to explain what she may not have understood. Regardless of how appealing that little present under the tree is now, Emma Kate would not enjoy what’s inside the box. The gift is for my daughter Lauren, and even if Emma Kate had pierced ears, the ones selected for Lauren would swallow and tug on her earlobes.

By Christmas morning, there will be gifts under the tree for Emma Kate. Those gifts – quite a few dinosaurs – will be selected with her in mind and will be the right size.

I believe God puts a lot of thought into His gift-giving as well. Because He created us, He knows the gifts and talents suited for our personalities. Prophecy, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading, and showing mercy are some of the gifts listed in Romans 12:6-9 that He has liberally given to His children.

What joy it must bring the Father to watch us open our gift, and keep it sharp by using it to benefit others. May we never get side-tracked by focusing on someone else’s gift and neglecting our own. Let’s be as excited and grateful as little children on Christmas morning to receive all of God’s gifts, especially the gift of Jesus, our Savior.

 

Ronny Michel can be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com