This week my grandson, Canyon, turns the Big 1!   This is our first opportunity to spoil him with gifts.  I got him his first fishing pole. I’m pretty sure he won’t actually fish with it, but he will beat things around the house with it for sure.  Of course he will enjoy the packaging as much or more than the gift itself.   The truth of the saying “it’s better to give than receive,” really come to life at times like this. 

While anticipating the party and watching him light up at the presents, I got to thinking. If I get so much joy out of my grandson’s joy, how much more joy must God have when we are joyful at what He has given us?!?  And, I wonder, how often does He give me the desires of my heart and I brush them off as if it is nothing?   It’s really makes me want to be sure I’m fully aware of His gifts to me and that I make sure I let him know just how thankful I am!

Jim Bouma