How sad to think that too often I turn down my life in the present. How disappointing to think I often gripe and complain and ask God for a bigger box.
Not long ago, I experienced a day when I received three unexpected gifts. Three!
First, I attended a Bible study group near my home. Our time together was filled with deep discussions of what God was doing in our lives. Heart time like that is a gift in itself, but when I got ready to leave, the leader of the group gave me a sweet gift of a mug filled with Bath and Body Works body wash and lotion. Just because.
Later, in the afternoon, I taught some young piano students. One of the families I regularly teach gave me a gift bag with a beautiful journal, a mug with a treble clef handle, and a butterfly bookmark. How thoughtful.
Then, in the evening, my small group came to my home to dig into God's Word. One of the ladies brought gifts for each of us. I received a beautiful cross with these words inscribed on it: "The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my Savior; in whom I find protection" (see 1 Samuel 18:2). What grace.
A Storage Closet of Blessings
All of these surprising gifts made me think of one of my favorite verses in Scripture, Psalm 31:19: "How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you."
When I read this verse, I like to picture a storage closet in heaven with my name on it, where God has all kinds of wonderful blessings stored up for me. They're all wrapped and ready—glittering gifts of God’s goodness. He is simply waiting for the right time to give them to me.
Sometimes God surprises me with a gift of His goodness, right out of the blue. An unexpected insurance payment that will help cover our bills. A call from a friend I haven’t seen in a long time. His presence overwhelming me as I am driving in my Chevy Impala.
Impatience for the Blessings
But truth be told, much of the time, I get impatient for His gifts. Deep in my heart, I trust in His timing. I sincerely believe that He knows what He is doing by not giving me those gifts today. Yet, the little toddler in my heart stamps her foot and pouts, “I want them now!” She demands more. Insists on further blessings. Calls out for extra gifts.
Even though I am confident that God has many more blessings for me in this life, I am always looking for the next thing. I tend to think that if I can just get that one more possession everything would be wonderful. If I could get noticed by someone important, I would be happy. If I could find the perfect handbag, I would be content.
I know I’m not alone. As humans, we constantly search for something more: the bigger house, the better job, the next vacation. And when we see the neighbor down the street get the backyard swimming pool or the co-worker get the promotion, we wonder why God makes us wait for the things our hearts desire.
The Gift of the Present
That night after receiving those unanticipated presents, I realized that I expected God to give me what I wanted when I wanted it. My discontent showed that I was demanding access to that closet of blessings. I was claiming the right to jerk that door open and grab God’s gifts of goodness now.
God gently whispered to my soul: I have many wonderful surprises ready for you. Astonishing gifts that are better than you can imagine. Will you wait for My timing?
I wanted to complain about the wait time, but God interrupted my thoughts with a new insight: I know you are impatient for many things, but I want you to look at the gift I have for you now. It’s a gift I’ve been trying to give to you for a long time. But you have not received it yet. I pictured God standing there with a huge present topped off with an enormous bow—the big box that is my life in this moment. He holds it out to me, ready for me to receive it and enjoy it just as it is.
How sad to think that too often I turn down my life in the present. How disappointing to think I often gripe and complain and ask God for a bigger box. I’m ashamed to admit that I subconsciously think I deserve something better than what I have now.
Accepting the Beautiful Gift of Now
What would it look like if I accepted my life in this moment without looking for a bigger box? What if I took that beautiful present out of His hands, opened it, and carefully examined each facet of His generous gift?
Could I treasure my family for who they are now?
Could I value the friends who encourage and support me today?
Could I appreciate my work and position without wishing for something more important?
Could I thank Him for my home even when I see my friend’s impressive mansion?
Could I be grateful for my body even though I struggle with liking how it looks in jeans?
Could I hold the gift of the present, look into my Savior’s eyes, and simply say, “Thank you”?
If I can truly receive my life as it is right now, maybe I can be more patient while waiting for God’s other blessings from His storage closet of goodness. Appreciating what God has already given me will heighten my anticipation for what I know will be fantastic gifts but also help me to trust that God knows what He is doing in not giving them to me yet.
So let’s all read Psalm 31:19 and thank God that He has stored up great and amazing goodness for us. Things more wonderful than we can imagine. But as we wait for those gifts, let’s also accept the gift God offers now—the gift of the present. Let’s undo the bow, unwrap the paper, open the box, and see the goodness He has placed in our lives now—big and small. Thank God for the friend that texted—just to check in. Praise Him for the mocha latte—a small treat for your tastebuds. Express your gratitude for the amazing sunset that graced the sky, the aroma of fresh bread that reminded you of your mom, or the song on the radio that filled your heart with joy.
Unexpected Gifts
When I thought about that day with the three unexpected gifts, I realized I enjoyed the surprise. How fun to get body wash and lotion on a run-of-the-mill Wednesday. How exciting to receive mugs and journals and home décor when it wasn’t Christmas or my birthday.
I think God wants all of us to have the opportunity to receive gifts we don’t see coming. He wants to astonish us with His joy on an ordinary day. He wants to amaze us with His goodness when we don’t even expect it. He wants to give us more than we can imagine.
But first He wants us to receive His gift of life as it is.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/InspirationGP
Sharla Fritz is a Christian author and speaker who weaves honest and humorous stories into life-changing Bible study. Author of the new book Measured by Grace: How God Defines Success, Sharla writes about God’s transforming grace and unfailing love. Sharla lives in the Chicago suburbs with her amusing pastor husband. Get her FREE ebook 21 Five-Minute Soul-Rest Practices or connect with Sharla at www.sharlafritz.com and Facebook.
