Gifts That Last

I've been birthday posting a lot, haven't I?  It got me thinking today in all my running errands, grocery shopping, cleaning the house for Savannah to have some friends over and getting ready to take them out for dinner...about the verses in Matthew 7 that talk about the difference between what a parent gives a child and what God has to give...

...Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?  If you, then, 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!  So, in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.  Matthew 7:10-12

I love giving good gifts....I love surprises and I love making mental notes of things people like...to be used against them later :P  If you have adopted, you may have encountered this issue as well, but it broke my heart to know that Savannah and Danielle had never had birthday parties....that kind-of makes me want to go overboard now, ya know! My little gifts aren't always super important, but I think it is more about knowing you are valued anyway.

The gifts we can give are only a faint representation of what GOD gives.  

His gifts LAST.  I read this recently.... 

I asked for health that I might do greater things;

I was given infirmity that I might do better things.

I asked God for strength that I might achieve;

I was made weak that I might learn to obey. (AMEN)

I asked for riches that I might be happy;

I was given poverty that I might be wise.

I asked for power and the praise of men;

I was given weakness to sense my need of God.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life;

I was given life that I might enjoy all things. (POWERFUL!)

I got nothing I asked for, but everything I hoped for;

In spite of myself, my prayers were answered - 

I am among all men most richly blessed.

YES, GOD always gives us what's best for us.