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The Gift
Birthdays were always special in her home, celebrated with dinner of choice, homemade cake, candles to blow out, and of course the gifts. She knew the gifts were always thought out ahead of time, some made by her parent's own hands, a candy bar wrapped from little sister, and the unexpected always came from her older brother.
This year was especially memorable, because she was now 18-years-old. Legally an adult and ready to make it in the world without the aid of her loving parents coaching her along.
Her last gift to open. Her parents always surprised her with the best of gifts. She remembered back at the many times they sacrificed so much to purchase a brand-new pair of shiny white ice skates or the mountain bike she still loved to ride. Oh, and the quilts, mom knew her love of reading while wrapped up cozy and warm.
She carefully tore away the pink flowered wrapping paper in an effort to savor every moment of the surprise. Unbelievable! Her eyes were looking at what she thought was the worst gift she had ever received. What were they thinking? This gift certainly was not something she was interested in nor had she mentioned wanting or needing it. They must have confused her with her little sister who loved to sew.
What happened next was even a surprise to herself. The tears were hot and intense as they ran down her cheeks. So much emotion that she needed to excuse herself due to the embarrassment of her actions. She knew she hurt and confused her parents. Later that evening while having cake, her mom hugged her and said one day she may find it valuable.
Eight years had passed. The recent move had been stressful. It was difficult leaving all the friends and loved ones they had met after their marriage began. Now with two little boys on her lap and her days full, yet empty and lonely, she was determined to finish unpacking. Those boxes had been in the garage for nearly three months.
It was tucked away in a box that had been untouched all these years. How the years had made her forget. She slowly lifted the contents as tears once again streamed down her cheeks. This was the perfect gift given so long ago. Her parents so patient and loving not to chastise her for her reactions to it.
The sewing box, simple, but beautiful. Inside were the treasures that would last a lifetime. A small package of sewing needles neatly wrapped and tied with ribbon. The ribbon holding a note that stated how these needles would mend many loose buttons or hem up a dress. A seam ripper for tearing out the errors and starting over. Patterns to make pillows and curtains that would add special coverings for warmth and comfort to her home. Many more packages, wrapped individually, and carrying notes of encouragement and reasons for their use.
The last note was tied to the handle of the sewing box. Think of your new sewing box much like you think of His Statutes. God's Word to us is full of all his notes of encouragement, instructions for living, tools for repentance and forgiving, the very Gift of Life. Looking at the outside of the Book alone will never be useful. You must open it and then carefully and deliberately use each gift individually to make your home warm and inviting to the King!
Annette Lou Williams
Psalm 119:16 "I will delight myself in thy statutes; I will not forget thy word."
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