The Element of Surprise

I love to give good gifts to my children. Whether it’s a birthday, Easter, Christmas, an out-of-town trip, or just a random Wednesday after school. I love to see the look of surprise spread across their faces as they gasp and take in the fact that I loved them enough to think of them. You can almost feel the memory of the moment imprinting in their hearts. 

I always put a lot of thought and consideration into any gift that I give. I have four kiddos, and they are all completely different personalities, with different interests and tastes, as well as different ages. It usually takes me quite some time to shop. I’ll pick up several items and carry them around the store, contemplating each little thing carefully. The gift has to be perfect. Just for them.  I’ll put things back- walk a little further- change my mind and turn around and go and pick it back up. Sometimes I’m trying to decide between two or three items, and I end up just buying them all! 

EXPECTING GOOD GIFTS

I never purposefully purchase junk or something lame that they will discard. I also never procrastinate purchasing a gift. No, I’m thinking about them far in advance, budgeting, preparing, wrapping, and planning the exact moment I will give them the gift, often accompanied by an elaborate display! I take so much pleasure in this!

On some days, my kids come expectant, such as their birthdays or holidays. 

They have an expectant hope based on past experiences, which assures them that they won’t be disappointed. THEY KNOW ME. THEY TRUST ME. This is actually the sweetest definition of FAITH. The faith of a child, to be more exact.

Faith shows the reality of what we hope; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1 NLT

For example, they can’t yet see Christmas morning, but they know it’s coming, and it will be glorious. Their little imaginations run wild with anticipation and joy. 

GIVING FROM THE HEART

The longer I’m a parent, and get to know the Lord, the more He shows me pieces of his parental character with different scenarios of my life. 

Matthew 7:9 (amp) says, “Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will [instead] give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will [instead] give him a snake? If you then, evil (sinful by nature) as you are, know how to give good and advantageous gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven [perfect as He is] give what is good and advantageous to those who keep on asking Him. 

I reflected on this and applied it to my life. My kids come to me and ask for new shoes. (It’s quite possible they have had to remind me several times too! Hence the “keep on asking…” in the scripture reference! HA HA!) 

If it’s in the budget and they really do need shoes, I ache to give them exactly what they’re requested. Perhaps they want a particular brand. It’s important to them! The love in my heart is going to move heaven and earth to make it happen! We may go to four different stores to find the correct size and color for the right price. I may even get stuck in traffic doing so!

OH, HOW WE LOVE OUR KIDS! The last thing I’m going to do is ignore their request or allow them to wear the same beat-up shoes that are maybe falling apart or no longer fit. No, I’m going to care for my kids and their needs, and even some of their wants too!

Sometimes, I may require my kids to grow in character in waiting or saving for some of their wants, because, DUH! that’s good parenting! But there is a huge part of my heart that just LOVES to surprise them with everything they could ever dream of. It blesses me to bless them!

I believe our Father God has these same feelings toward us. 

So why do we ever doubt that He may not provide for us? Why do we even worry? Do my children worry about having a birthday gift on their birthdays? NO! Do my children worry about what they are going to eat? NO! They know without a doubt that they will not miss a single meal. Do my kids worry about not having a home to shelter them and keep them safe? I assure you, the thought has never crossed their minds! MY KIDS KNOW ME. They have great faith.

KNOWING GOD’S CHARACTER

Do you know your Father God?

He is who he says He is.

He will do what he says he’ll do. 

Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise.  In fact, his faith grew stronger and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. Romans 4:20 NLT

My kids are FULLY CONVINCED. 

Are you?

Maybe you had an experience with a parent that led you to believe they couldn’t be trusted. Maybe they failed you in some way. 

HE NEVER WILL.

HE NEVER BREAKS HIS PROMISES.

HE’S THE BEST DAD. 

Our Father God loves to surprise his children, just like we do our own. I can just picture Him happily and lovingly picking out these gifts that are sure to make us smile. Planning the perfect moment in great detail, smiling to Himself, because sometimes the suspense of the reveal is the best part.