Thursday, March 8, 2012

The smallest gifts



Today we celebrate women's day in Colombia. One of our new students walked in this morning, her smile beaming above a handful of minature roses. She carefully handed a single tiny rose to every woman who works at Luz y Vida. "Feliz Día"(Happy women´s day!) she said to me as she gave me a hug. I lifted the little rose to my nose and breathed in. The scent from that tiny rose was amazing, transporting me to a summer full of sunshine. In a week that's been challenging for me, her offering of love brought me joy.

As I looked at the rose on my desk, not much bigger than a quarter, I was reminded of something God spoke to my heart earlier this week. Our gifts of love to him may seem small and insignificant, unworthy of being offered to the creator of the universe, but he is still pleased. He is pleased with each small outpouring of love from a faithful heart. He doesn't compare us with one another and only feel pleased with the best gifts. As our Father, any gift prompted by our love brings him pleasure.

So, remember today- You are loved by the Father. He's not waiting until you are perfect and can offer perfect gifts to be pleased by you. He is pleased today. He delights in you and the gifts you bring to him.

Phillipians 4:18b Your gifts are a soothing aroma, a sacrifice that God accepts and with which he is pleased.

Isaiah 62:4b But you will be named My Delight, and your land will be named Married. The LORD is delighted with you, and your land will be married.

3 comments:

Rebecca said...

Annie - It's so true. I call them my God smiles. About a week ago I had a really rough (partially self-inflicted) day and came home wanting to bask in self-pity for the weekend. And then God smiled. A drop in visit. An unexpected phone call of gratitude. A visitor at church. An opportunity to build relationships with the most unlikely. God smiles come in every shape and form! After all... you're His favorite.

Emily said...

thanks for that, Annie!

Debbie said...

Yeah, thanks Annie. I needed that :-)