I had the privilege of putting together some college care packages this week for some of our youth that we used to serve in Quincy. And what fun Abby and I had picking out random gifts that we just knew would make those receiving them smile. I mailed them off today, and now that I am back at my office I can’t help but think back to my college years.

It was always a great day at school when you got a slip in your mailbox letting you know that a package had arrived for you. Often times it was baked goods from home, or a total surprise from someone unexpected. But to be honest, I am having a whole lot more fun sending these packages then I ever did receiving them. It brings me great joy to imagine the laughter and appreciation on the other end of the mail. And this got me thinking about all that God tries to give to us in our daily everyday lives.

In Matthew 7:7-8 it says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him that knocks, the door will be opened.”

God is constantly sending us off “care package” after “care package” to let us know that we are loved and cherished. And I can’t help but think of the smile on His face when we take notice, and open a gift and find the joy that was intended. As Gideon and I walked around Garvin Park last night around sunset, it was hard to not take notice. It was a cold and clear night with a full moon rising over the rooftops, and one of the most beautiful sunsets I have seen in quite a long time. The reds, purples and blues mixed themselves into colors that are so beautiful they simply cannot be named. And as I soaked in the beauty of the sunset, and stopped Gideon long enough to take notice, I think God was pleased.

Sadly, on the other end of the spectrum, I think about the myriad of ways that God tries to get my attention, and all of the times that I have thrown his gifts aside, or simply ignored them, and left His “care packages” out on the stoop. I hope and pray that we as his church would find new ways to not only see the gifts that are constantly arriving in our lives, but to take the time to enjoy them, to breathe them in, and to thank the “Sender” each and every time.

December 2, 2009 <> Michael Warenke

Both comments and pings are currently closed.