Little Gifts

    Melanie brought me flowers. Yellow, bruised, and droopy atop their flimsy stems, they were of the variety that have a shorter life-span than the average housefly. They came with no vase, no water, and no card.

    She had no way of knowing that I was having a bad day, but Melanie's wilted little dandelions made an impression on me. I still cherish the fact that I was the recipient. 

    Then the epiphany struck. We of the human race give and receive tiny gifts every day: a hand on the shoulder, a quick smile, a well-cooked meal. Our hearts are warmed with genuine appreciation at each small act of kindness. But then we receive our daily gifts from God, and something seems to change.

    Suddenly the little touches don't seem as meaningful. A song on my mind? I have songs go through my head all the time. The light of dawn catching the tiny droplets of dew on the grass? Not impressive. That happens every day. A wilted flower? Seems like He could have sent me a freshly opened bloom. 

    I find myself brushing off the little gifts: a breathtaking sunset (I'd say sunrise, but let's be real here), a bobbin that didn't run out before I finished the seam, keys in the first place I looked when I was in a hurry.

    Once I start recognizing the little things as gifts from God, the list seems to be never-ending. The other day it was two more quarters that I needed to finish rinsing a soap-smothered car at the car wash when I thought I'd taken all the change out of the console. 

    I want to live my life giving freely of the things I have to offer. But even more important, I want to live aware of the many "little" gifts that have been given me, because I believe recognizing the gifts God gives me will bring me closer to understanding His love for me.

    What gifts have you been given today?