Prayer Gift Registry

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV)

Gift registries are great, aren't they?  Go on line.  Check the items in your budget range... and click.  Gift bought.  Even wrapped if you so desire.  The recipient gets what he/she wants and you don't spend a lot of time and effort trying to figure out what they would like.

But... it also takes all the fun out of gift-giving.  There is joy in thinking about that person and what they like and what would bring them joy.  Then there is the "hunt" as you shop for that idea that sprung to mind while thinking about the person and then more joy as you watch their reaction as they open it.

And it is also more fun for the recipient.  I've been to some showers where gift opening time seemed like more of a chore than anything else.  They knew what they were getting and the people in attendance didn't even really pay attention because they knew what was on the registry and that's what was being opened.

Occasionionally, however, there is a surprise.  Someone strays from the list to give something more personal... more meaningful.  And you can tell the one opening the gift is suprised and appreciative.  It is probably something they would never have thought of for themselves, but it's just the right gift.

We all have our own prayer "gift-registry" too.  We have this list we bring to God with the color, size and shape of the things we think we need and want.  We don't give God much "wiggle-room" to be creative.  And we miss out on the most amazing gifts!  Pray this prayer today:

God,
I open my hands and my heart to whatever you want to give me today.  Help me to see it when it comes for the miracle it is and let me receive it with joy knowing it is better than anything I could have asked for.  Amen.