Over the summer, our family read the book, “The Ultimate Gift” by Jim Stovall.  The book reading is one of those traditions that we started two years ago and everyone seems to enjoy it, providing we find the right book.  I try to choose books that are interesting and have some real life issues that it requires some thinking.  We all share the reading, but since I’ve already read the book and know how it will end, I get an opportunity to watch how it impacts everyone else as the story unfolds.

In “The Ultimate Gift”, there are 12 life gifts that a young man has to grasp before he can receive his inheritance from his grandfather.  Some of these include the gift of family, the gift of dreams, and the gift of laughter.  Each gift plays out in various acts until finally; the grandson receives the ultimate gift.  

Although I enjoyed relating to every gift in my own life, I think the one that had the most impact on me was the gift of gratitude.  The author states that if we dwell on what we already have, we will realize that our lives are already filled to overflowing.

If it has been awhile since you have done this, try thinking of 10 things that you are thankful for this week and stick them on your refrigerator.  Too many times we wallow around in self-pity, when in reality we have much to be thankful for.  As Christians, we should all have salvation at the top of our list.   For without God’s grace, we’d never experience the ultimate gift of salvation in our lives.   Until next week … Walk in Love.

Lord, I want to thank You for all the wonderful gifts that You have given me.  Personally You have blessed me with my salvation, a wonderful wife, two terrific children, parents who have loved me unconditionally, a great family of sisters, brothers and in-laws, and more friends than I deserve.  (Fill in your own list).   There have been challenges and obstacles in my life, but knowing I have You beside me has made all the difference in the world.  So today, I want to thank you for all that You have done for me and continue to do in my life.  In Jesus name.

However many blessings we expect from God, His infinite liberality will always exceed all our wishes and our thoughts.  Dietrich Bonhoeffer