Have you ever received a gift so lavish that words failed you?
One that touched your soul so profoundly that your heart experienced tangible waves of God's relentless love?
My lavish gift arrived on a chilly March evening as I stood on the cold concrete floor in the middle of my bare living room. Exactly one month before, a judge had signed papers sadly ending my 13-year marriage.
I was in the rebuilding process. Spiritually, physically, emotionally. God had carefully began the process of sheltering and mending my black and blue heart.
Into that emptiness, God sent a lavish gift. A friend's voice on the phone echoed in the hollow space. An anonymous benefactor just paid for my passage on a 9-day cruise with a group from my church to sail up the New England coast into Canada to see the Fall foliage.
All I had to do was say yes.
I stood, opening and closing my mouth like a fish out of water, as the tears flowed. That person (or persons) simply wanted to provide an avenue for me to get away with God so that the healing process could begin.
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| Acadia National Park, Maine (Cruise, Oct. 2010) |
But I know Whose hand was behind it.
Their lavish generosity far exceeded monetary value. That time away allowed me to breathe again. Slow life to a stroll. Refocus direction. Listen to God's guidance. Allow Him to resurface my heart.
And I know one thing.
One day I'll pass such a blessing forward. God will let me know when. And whom. And why.
Let's talk: Have you ever received an anonymous gift (large or not) that touched your heart in a very special way? Did you accept it? Did it inspire you to look for ways to pass forward an anonymous blessing to someone else?
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What a wonderful gift, Donna. Dear Lord, bless that anonymous giver.
ReplyDeleteAt one point in my tumultuous twenties, after having gone through a rough patch, I reached a point where I didn't have the money for my rent one month. Imagine my surprise and delight when I arrived home from work and found that someone had left the $100 I lacked in an envelope with nothing on it but my name. I never figured out who gave me that generous gift, but God knows. I've asked Him many times to repay that kindness for me since I have no way of doing so.
Wow, Keli! Thanks so much for sharing that story. I just love hearing God encounters like that. Yes, Lord, bless Keli's anonymous giver!
ReplyDeleteThe same thing happened to me. Someone paid for me to go to Israel for two weeks. I never found out who it was.
ReplyDeleteWOW! What an incredible blessing for you. Israel is absolutly amazing. Lord, bless that wonderful giver!
DeleteI was going through a tough time, feeling unappreciated and a long story. Someone sent me a Starbucks card, a pair of shoes! lol which were smokin hot, and my pastor gave us a gift card to a place I had always wanted to try, but we were doing Dave Ramsey and it wasn't in the budget. The only one who knew I wanted to eat there was God! The two anons I still don't know. :)
ReplyDeleteYou hit the nail on the head, Jessica! Only God knows what we really need and want. He's so faithful to fulfill those needs and let us know He is God over every desire, great or small. Now I'm curious about your smoking hot shoes. LOL! Thanks so much for sharing!
DeleteYour story is such a precious story, Donna.Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhen my husband started his practice, we were very strapped financially. Some friends handed us an enveloped with money in it (cash -- and not just a little bit of $$$ -- quite a bit.) We were stunned. My husband and I were used to being the givers, but now we were the ones in need ... and the blessing was at just the right time -- in abundance.
Beth, thanks so much for your wonderful story. I believe sometimes God brings us those anonymous givers because we wouldn't accept it if someone stood in front of us holding out their hand. Great givers sometimes have difficulty being great receivers. Blessings!
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