Every month I lead a class for kids and parents about salvation called, We Believe. At one point in the class I use an example of receiving birthday and Christmas gifts… All wrapped up in beautiful paper and ribbons, displayed in piles just waiting for us to open them on our special day. How odd it would be, I tell the kids, if we got so excited to see them and then simply walked away or even cherished them by putting them on a shelf… But never opening them. Of course every kid laughs and thinks that’s the most hilarious and ridiculous thing they’ve ever heard of! Why would anyone ever do something like that?

The reality is we do it all the time… I think I do it every day.

God has given us the greatest gift of salvation through his Son, Jesus. We love this gift, but we don’t always live , act or move through our days wearing the the gift. Like I tell the kids, this gift is something God not only wants us to acknowledge… he wants us to “open” the gift, splash in it, throw the paper up and dance around in it! God promises purpose, peace and joy in our lives because of this gift. But we have to receive it, open it, trust it, use it.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27

We really can have joy in the suffering~
Rest when we’re weary
A smile when things are flying all around us
Calm in chaos
And strength when we’re weak

I’m choosing to wear this gift today… Peace, joy, purpose!