John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
A few years back, God called my husband and me to a unique form of serving, one that resulted in us taking custody of a young teen boy from Thailand, named Non. As Non’s first winter in America approached, the milestone of his Christmas gift weighed heavily upon me. Since this young man loved his computer and rarely ventured out of doors, I searched for a gift combining his love of technology with an opportunity for exercise and fresh air. After much (and I do mean MUCH) thought and research, the perfect gift was chosen: a high-tech, programable remote-control car fashioned to be navigated in the great out-of-doors. I was certain it spoke to everything Non needed and everything Non loved.
On Christmas morning, Non removed the wrapping from his most excellent present and meticulously inspected it. My son finally asked, “Non, how do you like your gift?”
After a pause of contemplation, Non replied, “Normal.”
Seriously! NORMAL!
With so many hours of my life invested in this gift, it was anything but “NORMAL!” It was extraordinary! It spoke to who he was – a lover of technology. It spoke to what he needed – outdoor exercise to keep him physically healthy. And, I was confident it would also offer him life-changing pleasure. Yes, it was far beyond just normal and if truth be told, my heart felt just a wee bit dejected.
However, are we “pulling a Non” when we do the same to God? Our Heavenly Father, with much anguish and heartache, lovingly prepared for us the world’s greatest gift: His Son. Just as Non’s gift was carefully chosen to meet his needs, God’s gifts were chosen with our needs in mind. Just like Non’s gift was designed to keep him healthy, God’s gifts keep us spiritually strong. And just as Non’s gift was chosen to bring him joy, God’s gift of His Son brought great joy to the world.
So, consider . . .
Does our life reflect gratitude for the gift of Jesus? Do we ever take for granted His sacrifice, and consider it simply normal? Do we fail to acknowledge the tremendous pain and anguish of the cross that was part of our gift?
Today, Non is back in his homeland, all grown up, with the initials, M.D. after his name. We still connect every December and jokingly wish him a “Very NORMAL Christmas.” Then instinctively, my thoughts turn to a gift, much greater than any normal: the gift of our Savior.
Father God, for the gift of your Son and the gift of eternal life with you, may we sing your praises!
Blessings,
Rita Cochrane