As we begin the new year, call to mind the joy you found in giving gifts to the people you love. Remember the fun of watching the gifts being opened and the surprise and gratitude of those we love.
This Christmas I gave a sticker book to my four-year old nephew. He was so delighted. Soon he was off playing with the other children. When I was getting ready to leave the party, he happened to look up and see me with my coat on. Immediately, he jumped up and ran to me saying, “Thank you for the sticker book, Aunt Mary Ann!” Once again, I found joy in him.
“ . . . all good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change.” James 1:17
Life moves so fast; we must be intentional about cherishing the joy and pleasure of loving others and giving to others.
God is the giver of all good gifts, and He has given us so many precious gifts. God gives to us from the very depths of His love for us. Just as we love giving good gifts to others, so God loves to give to us.
“ I recognized that there is nothing better than to rejoice and to do well during life.
Moreover, that all can eat and drink and enjoy the good of all their toil—
this is a gift of God.” Ecclesiastes 3:12-13
How can we cherish whatever gifts God has given to us in 2023? It is time to hold on and to cherish them. How quickly do we forget His blessings in our life.
“But you are ‘a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises’ of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9
Take time in these coming weeks to remember the gifts God has given to you. Remember the joy and peace you experienced when you received them and offer thanks to God once again.
“Praise the LORD, for he is good; for his mercy endures forever. …” Psalm 136:1
May your January gratitude grow into a daily habit in this new year that praises God every day. May you experience over and over the love that God pours out.
Many Blessings in the New Year,
Mary Ann Barnhorn, SNDdeN