Fact: Gifts are a love language to many people, including myself.
Fact: Gifts aren't required to be materialistic.
Fact: Gifts aren't about what's being received, rather about who the receiver is.
Fact: Gift giving is one of God's love languages, though it's fair to say He abundantly gives with every possible love language.
When it comes to receiving gifts, I'm very bad at it. It's awkward. I don't tend to say much. I naturally don't have much of a reaction. That is, however, the exact opposite of how I truly feel. Every gift I receive, I cherish and appreciate. It's just hard for me to show that emotion.
I believe it stemmed from my childhood. I was raised by a single mother. And because I only had one parent growing up, I believe my mother tried to overcompensate by bringing in more gifts than necessary. It's called "Single Mom Syndrome (SMS)." So, growing up, I was spoiled with fantastic gifts. Whatever I needed, and wanted, my mom felt obligated to provide that to compensate the lack of a father. As far back as I can remember, I was outwardly appreciative of my gifts and pranced around with much joy about what my mother has gifted me. But the more Christmas' and Birthdays I experienced, could it be that the more desensitized to gifts I became?
How does this possibility affect my relationship with my Savior? My One and only True Father? I can honestly and easily say that I take for granted 100% of the gifts my God has provided for me. Desensitized or not, I do not fully appreciate the gifts God has given to me. To completely appreciate a gift from God, I would need to fully understand the gift and the reason. But God is too big for any of us to understand! His reasons for anything are far beyond understanding for us.
While I sometimes feel guilty for the lack of appreciation I show to people who graciously give gifts to me, there's no need to feel guilty for the gifts God gives me! I couldn't fully appreciate them, even if I tried.
Like Hosea pursued Gomer, God pursues me. He presents gifts to me, longing to win my heart. He has succeeded. For I am His, forever and ever.
Amen.
