God's good gifts -- not just at Christmas

As I've struggled to feel "the Christmas spirit" this year, I've had to remind myself that God's good and perfect gifts -- to us and through us -- aren't limited to specific days on a calendar. That gives me so much hope. Great is God's love and faithfulness. 

These Scriptures and thoughts from Craig Denison's first15.org really helped me focus. 

 "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." James 1:17

Every morning with God can be like Christmas morning. From the moment our eyes open we have an opportunity to know a love that surpasses any gift we've been given. From the time our feet hit the ground we can experience perfect, pleasing plans the Lord has laid before us. 

Every moment in our day is a chance to receive more and more grace, more and more love. Every encounter with a person is a chance to see God move and work through us and through them. Every task given us is a chance to experience the anointing and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Even in trial and tribulations we are given an opportunity to experience a heavenly, eternal peace that transcends our circumstances. Even in pain and loss we are given a chance to experience the loving, compassionate heart of our Father that gets low with us and meets us where we are. 

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23