What about Good Gifts for You?

A few decades ago, dad and I were shopping together for a gift for mom just a few days before Christmas. We went into one of those stores that has a little jewelry, some perfume, and a lot of pretty, breakable stuff. As we browsed for a gift for mom, dad said, So what do you want for Christmas? 

Mom has already bought all my gifts, I said. 

That’s not what I asked you, dad said.

I stood in front of a jewelry case and, with joking audacity, said, Well, I think this emerald ring would be nice. But don’t get me the ring unless you get me the matching emerald earrings to go with it! 

He rolled his eyes, and we both laughed. We moved on and found something to buy mom for Christmas.

Two decades later I still wear that emerald ring and matching earrings.

Jesus says, “If you, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11 NIV)

Of course, we need richer gifts than emeralds. We need patience with children and greater love for our husbands.

We need provision to pay bills that come due this month.

Some of us need comfort and the tender companionship of Christ to soothe our troubled souls.

We need a generous grace.

The one thing my dad taught me is that God is standing there asking.

Well, what do you want?

Ask big.