Sometimes I recognize the gift, sometimes I fight the gift (really?! God-just what did you have in mind?!) but I am sure there have been times I’m oblivious to the gift, and don’t even recognize anything!! This week I’ve received three unexpected gifts I’d like to share. God must be trying to teach me something!
The first gift is a letter from a dear friend. He’s ninety years old and I usually only get to visit with him every two years. We attend a tractor conference (John Deere, of course) together…working and sharing common interests. It was held in Davenport, Iowa for nine days before we traveled home. This week, I received Mac’s letter. I know he is caring, spiritual, thoughtful and a letter writer – but he surprised me. His comments and prayers were exactly what I needed to hear! My tears were real as I read the letter – about me. I was so humbled and touched that he took the time to tell me his thoughts. I expected the conference to be fun and to renew friendships, but not to affect me with Mac’s letter.

Mac and my granddaughter, Evie, racing.

The second gift was the women’s wellness retreat for HarvestHER in Omaha this past weekend. Tracy was inspired in her ideas and implementation for all things for the time we spent there. The sponsors gave us a gift which I’m sure they don’t recognize the scope of. But the women who participated (including Tracy, of course) gave me an invaluable gift of themselves: time, energy, warmth, love, laughter and, yes, tears. (We are women, after all). I gained deeper insight into this: we are all the same, with all our talents, flaws, and troubles; we can and all do very hard things more gracefully than we know, and that God is ever-present. I cannot remember the last time I laughed so much, nor slept so little. The time we spent together was such an incredible gift!! I expected to have fun, to eat more and sleep less than usual; but I didn’t expect to be rejuvenated!

Our welcome sign as we arrived.

My sweet daughter, Emma, enjoying her facial.

 Three new friends…Laura overlooking Kristin and baby Belle while enjoying her facial and relaxing – our first night of being pampered.

Callie and Jamie with Kristin holding Belle overseeing our “women’s food” (delicious, simple food we love but men would not appreciate as a meal).

The third gift: a phone call from my sweet baby sister. We talk often because we are kindred spirits. Troubles or joys shared with a person who understands is halfing the pain and doubling the joy. I enjoy talks with my sister, always, but didn’t expect to recognize a life purpose in her call. 

My sister, Lisa, and I. 

Each of these three gifts brought tears to my eyes, joy to my heart and renewed inspiration to my days. Sincerely thank you to each of you. But mostly, I am grateful to the Holy Spirit for inspiring these people to take the time and effort needed to answer His prompting. And I urge all of you readers to listen for His nudges in your life, to reach out to others, and to accept the gifts He sends. Many times He uses us when we least expect.

And He sends us gifts we aren’t looking for nor deserve: because He loves us!! He loves little, ole me. How amazing!!