God Inspired Lil' Givers

I was beautifully introduced to a traditional German Christmas that typically takes place on the Eve of Christmas with my husband's family.

Our three children actually went through many of their old toys and filled Christmas bags to give away to children. They also took their OWN money this year and bought each other specific gifts that they personally chose out. Normally we as parents give them money but this year was more meaningful coming from their own allowances.

It was neat to encourage them that God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7) and to remind them that you can't out give God. For what we give He will bless us in return. Test Him in this and see He reminds us in Malachi 3:10.

They realized from this how exciting it was to be on the GIVING end of the gift when it came time to unwrap them. God's blessing was lavished rather quickly as they each got an unexpected cheque at the end of Christmas from a relative. Right away Daniel realized that this amount was almost exactly what he had withdrawn to buy all his gifts with!! He instantly recognized God's encouragement on the lesson of giving.

The deeper lesson for me was with Brea. We had both decided rather than sell our piano-like electronic keyboard, stand, bench etc, (value $1500) that we would not only give it away, but give it to someone that in turn could give it to their kids, and be perceived as the giver, over Brea. It wasn't an easy decision but was agreed on.

It was when the gift exchange actually took place and Brea was there to see it, and the utter shock and excitement that came over the kids' to the one that had given them this gift, caused jealousy to arise in her. This is a very human emotion given the situation and I could totally sympathize with. Not only was she giving up this, not getting anything for it, but now the love and adoration for such was stinging as it was going to someone else other than her. Right then she could hear the Holy Spirit talk to her. (You must know how much it blesses me when Brea and I share in the ways God teaches us)

She said, "Mom, I could hear God so vividly say to me, 'Brea, this is exactly how I feel when so many of you take glory from me to say it is something you've done.'

Instantly she received it and sighed with a new understanding. Not only was it getting her mind off of this gift, but also a deeper realization how really God does feel constantly in the way we always prefer to glorify ourselves rather than Him.

It was in a Christmas walk with Brea, one on one that we had such a deep reflecting conversation. For a whole hour we didn't stop talking for even 10 seconds. How it blessed me. One of my favorite parts of Christmas day was that special one hour that I had with her. In the midst of over 100 topics, (kid you not) we shared love, laughter, some tears, hand holding, hugging, you name it... it's moments like these that I treasure in a Christmas with my 14 year old Brea, for it will only come once in this lifetime.