giver > gift

I remember a specific Christmas a few years back where I didn't seem to get anything that I wanted. I am not really into getting all these extravagant presents or anything like that but I usually get c vat least one of the things I wanted and that Christmas was different. I remember that I was solely focused on the gifts and not the people who gave them. My parents spent their hard earned money on gifts and I wasn't even thankful for that.

If my perspective would've been more focused on the fact that they were giving gifts, I would've been happy with every little thing I got.

Why am I talking about this?

I believe that we have this same attitude when it comes to the things that God has given us. How easy is it to complain about what we have? We complain about our jobs, the things we have, the food we eat, etc. I believe it's time to stop.

That is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them - for this is their lot. Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and to be happy in their toil - this is a gift from God. They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart. 
(Ecclesiastes 5:18-20)

God wants us to view what we have with the right perspective - our possessions are a gift from God. Although they are not our source of joy, they are a reason to rejoice because every good thing comes from God.

Don't play devils advocate and say that there aren't good things in your life. No matter what you are facing right now - I can assure you that when you start to view what we have in the right perspective - you will find joy.

We should focus more on the giver than the gift. God didn't have to give you anything. But he did. Each and every person he has given something to and it's time to have that perspective.

We can be content with what we have when we realize that with God we have everything we need.

When we do this and when we find enjoyment in all things, we will have less time to reflect on our lives. Often times - when we don't enjoy things we tend to get in a cycle of self-doubt, anger, and unpleasant thoughts. That is often when we are tempted and give into sin.

There isn't time to sit back and reflect on what we think we should have-when we are busy-enjoy what we do have. That is my one thing for you today. Be more focused on the giver than the gift. God has done more in each of our lives that we could ever imagine. Let's start to enjoy that and I promise others will be encouraged by you and they will see something different about you!