Gifts May Be a Unique and Amazing Lamp Shade

Do you have a difficult time receiving gifts from others? What about giving them?  I get joy in giving gifts, I love to see their faces! Have you been confronted with situations when you wanted to share with others, and they felt like they just could not take your gift? You may have received comments like, “I didn’t get you anything” or “that is just too much” or “I can’t take that”. Whatever the message they relayed to you, ultimately, they may not have felt worthy of receiving your gift.

I have received beautiful gifts from people that were hand-made or purchased items, but jewelry related. I don’t wear jewelry! I did not want to waste a perfectly good thing and would suggest that they should give it to someone else. I believe God later encouraged me to receive these gifts from others especially since they were given from their hearts. Could I have prohibited them from receiving their blessings from the Lord (James 1:17)? Every good gift and every perfect gift are from above, when we receive gifts, it is because God loves us and chooses to give us gifts in various ways.

Our church had a team of individuals that just returned from Cuba, and one of our Youth parents bought back a beautiful hand-made bracelet with Cuba written in beads. I made him aware that I do not wear jewelry but would add it to my lampshade. This lampshade is now called the “Shade of Blessings” because it encompasses jewelry and other items that I may not wear but I get to view and enjoy them each day.

Have you received a gift that you failed to use from its ordinary purpose but enjoy it another way? What was it or how did you value your new gift?

Consider being a magnet to connect others with blessings to help make their day bright and give them hope to continue whatever journey they endeavor. How do you feel when you receive an unexpected gift? Share your answer!