The Greatest Gift

Mother's Day is this Sunday and as with any holiday in America, we have to start thinking of a gift for our moms (and wives who are moms). It's tough sometimes coming up with the best gift. I read a humorous story that many of you may have already heard, but here it goes anyway.

Three sons who left home, went out on their own and prospered? Getting back together, they discussed the gifts they were able to give their elderly mother.

The first said, "I built a big house for our mother." The second said, "I sent her a Mercedes
with a driver." The third smiled and said,"I've got you both beat. You remember how mom enjoyed reading the Bible? And you know she can't see very well. I sent her a remarkable parrot that recites the entire Bible. It took elders in the church 12 years to teach him. He's one of a kind. Mama just has to name the chapter and verse, and parrot recites it."

Soon thereafter, mom sent out her letters of thanks: "Milton," she wrote, "The house you built
is so huge. I live in only one room, but I have to clean the whole house." "Gerald," she wrote to another, "I am too old to travel. I stay most of the time at home, so I rarely use the Mercedes. And the driver is so rude!" "Dearest Donald," she wrote to her third son, "You have the good sense to know what your mother likes. The chicken was delicious!"

There are lots of great gifts we can give and receive. Gift giving is wonderful fun and builds relationships. It's a good thing.

I have receiveded many good gifts in my life and not just stuff either. I have been gifted with a great earthly family--wonderful wife and children. I have been gifted with a great church family at Creekside who loves me and lets me be me. I am surrounded with friends in the physical world and in the internet world through this blog.

I could go on and on, but the greatest gift I have ever received is one that our heavenly Father showed us through Jesus. It is the gift of forgiveness. Knowing my life the way God does and Him still forgive is incredible! Knowing me the way Ellen knows me and for her to still love me is a gift I cannot describe. My children know me so well, and still love me. That's forgiveness. It even stretches into my relationships with others outside my family--church, blog, friendships, and more. What more could a man want than to be forgiven. What a precious gift indeed I think it's the greatest gift of all!