When our children were younger there were several times when we made an adventure out of giving them gifts.  One Christmas in particular, we gave our son a guitar.  Under the tree there was a medium-sized box with his name on it.  It was beautifully wrapped with shiny Christmas paper and a big red bow.  Our son was really excited about the gift but couldn’t guess what was inside.  So, he enthusiastically started to unwrap it.  

First the bow came off and was tossed into the air!  Then the paper was ripped, crumpled and thrown aside with joyful abandon! He was so anxious to see what his gift was that he didn’t think too much about its wrapping.  But, when our son opened the lid, he found there was another box inside!  We all laughed and there was more excitement as the second box came out and he began to unwrap it as well.  Our son went through the same routine – the bow flew into the air and the paper was crumpled and tossed aside.  And yes…inside of this package, there was another box, which brought more laughter and smiles to all of us.  

This continued through about four boxes until finally, inside the last box there was a card.  When our son opened the card and read its inscription, he jumped up and ran to the garage.  There, inside the trunk of my husband’s car was his new guitar!  Our son was so excited about the guitar that he took it out and immediately began playing it.  But, what was such a blessing to us was seeing the joy our son expressed as he opened each layer of his gift!  It wasn’t simply the guitar, which brought a smile to his face; it was the entire process of opening the gift.

We should look at our life in the same way.  Each day is a gift from God.  It is full of surprises, blessings and new discoveries for us.  When we wake up each morning we should take great pleasure in opening up the gift...layer by layer.  For our God has given us the day to live and enjoy!


“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!” (Psalm 118:24)

It is so easy to get into a rut.  Our jobs, responsibilities, trials and general busyness in our lives distract us from the joy that God wants to reveal to us each day.  But, as we slow down and breathe Him in, we can appreciate each blessing we receive.


“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).

Our God is a gracious and generous God!  He takes great pleasure in giving us gifts and we can count on everything that comes from Him to be good.  Sometimes as we unwrap each day, we come upon some packaging that may be difficult to open.  The tape might be exceptionally sticky, or the lid of the box too tight.  But, when we continue to look to Him through all the layers of our day, trust and have faith, the joy found as we open His gift is great!  

Praising Him for the joy in each day, 

Joan





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22 Comments

  1. Floptical58August 19, 2012

    http://goo.gl/YlqOH

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  2. I have been reminded of late to appreciate and acknowledge those daily gifts...small gifts as well as the big ones. Was just thinking about that verse in James before coming here.
    Blessings,
    Joan

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  3. Indeed, each day is a gift, and by God's grace, I want to open it with thanksgiving, joy, and excitement (like a child?) and inspiration from the Lord!


    http://rinaperu.com

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  4. Wendy @ E1AAugust 20, 2012

    Really enjoyed your post this morning Joan... such a great analogy and reminder to us that each day is a precious gift from God. Thank you!

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  5. Pamela KuhnAugust 20, 2012

    What a fun first-read-of-the-day post. I'm looking forward to the day and the surprises I unwrap along the way!

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  6. Yes, God's gifts come in many shapes and sizes. Sometimes, I have discovered, that I don't realize a gift is a gift until afterward...

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  7. I agree! By God's grace, let us open each day with thanksgiving, joy and excitement!

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  8. Thank you, Wendy! It is so easy to take our days for granted, but when we realize they are a gift from our Father, they are indeed precious!

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  9. It is exciting to discover what the Lord has planned for us as we go through out day! Blessings!

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  10. Laurie CollettAugust 20, 2012

    What a beautiful analogy, Joan! We could get frustrated with each new layer of unwrapping keeping us from what we are hoping for, or we can be blessed and joyful in the process. Thanks for the great post & for hosting the linkup, & God bless!
    Laurie



    http://savedbygracebiblestudy.blogspot.com/

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  11. Thanks, Laurie. So true about the frustration possibility! It is so important to stay focused on the Lord and be joyful in the process! Blessings, Joan

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  12. Ugochi JolomiAugust 20, 2012

    God has been good to my family. He always provides for us, even sometimes when it looks impossible! Thanks for sharing.
    I linked up earlier!
    http://www.ugochi-jolomi.com/2012/08/singles-saturday_18.html

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  13. Sharon EvansAugust 20, 2012

    What a beautiful post, to see the day as we unwrap God's gifts to us. Lovely!

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  14. I'm looking forward to unwrapping today! Blessings, Joan

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  15. I love this illustration, Joan! I love imagining God's delight as He watches us unwrapping our days, especially when we acknowledge Him as the Giver!

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  16. Hi Joan,



    There is nothing more fulfilling than being rested and ready for the brand new
    day that God has planned for us; I believe that He longs for us to “live in the
    moment” walking with Him just the way He wants. We should chose to rise up and
    make a brand new fresh start every day with God by fully surrendering the
    present moment in His hands!! :)



    Blessings and love dear friend,

    Denise

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  17. You are right! It is a choice that to make a brand new start each day by surrendering each moment to Him! Blessings, Denise!

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  18. He loves to give us good gifts, doesn't He? I want Him to know that I am appreciative of each one!

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  19. Hi Joan,

    This week I have been given a wonderful gift, of spectacular sunsets across a hay field, where we are staying in a little lodge. It's been/is a tough time, and as I stood with my camera watching God's show, it felt so intimate, as though God was speaking just to me. It was beautiful, with many layers. I am so grateful for His wonderful gift to me.

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  20. Debbie PetrasAugust 25, 2012

    I love this Joan! I was caught up in the excitement as I read your words about this gift. And what a great spiritual application. We are given gifts each day. May we always learn to enjoy and be grateful for each one.


    Blessings and love,
    Debbie

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  21. God's gifts are incredibly special! What a blessing for the intimate time you experienced with Him!

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  22. Each day is a true blessing, especially when we take the time to enjoy each moment given to us by Him!

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