A Lesson in Receiving (from a new Puppy)
Receiving gifts from God can be a blessing, but only if we have the right heart posture.
We recently welcomed an addition to our family. His name is Ron and he is a highly energetic and loving puppy. Today, he was given a bone for the very first time and he loved it. A few minutes in however, he became very protective of it.
When my mom would get close, he would start to growl aggressively. She wasn’t trying to take it. “Hey” she said, “no growling. I’m the one who gave that to you and I’ll take it away if I have to”. It was a simple, ordinary moment, but it got me thinking: How often does my relationship with God look like that?
How often do I become possessive of the gifts God has given me?
How often do I become defensive as soon as he draw near: thinking he will take it away from me:
Forgetting that He is a good God,
Forgetting that He is the one who gave it to me?
How often do I allow this possession and distrust separate me from the Lord?
How often do I betray my relationship with him in an effort to protect and hold onto the gifts He has freely given me?
How often must this possession be taken from me in order to restore my rightful relationship with the Lord?
How many growls has he endured in return for his generosity and love?
How many hearts have turned away from Him in this way?
A Prayer to Receive Freely
The Lord gives and the Lord can take away
Job 1:21
Do I receive the Lord’s gifts in such a manner? Do I trust Him so freely? Do I value my relationship with Him above the gifts He has given me?
Dear Lord,
You are a good and gracious God: a father who knows how to give good gifts.
All too often I forget your goodness and cling to these gifts instead of clinging to you.
Thank you for the gift that is your everlasting love and covenantal relationship with me.
Grant that my heart may be transformed: that I may give and receive freely from you.
May I never loose sight of you who desires to give all good gifts.
Supporting my Writing
The best way to support my writing is by reading and sharing it! If you’re looking for a way to financially support my writing endeavors, you can find me on BuyMeACoffee: buymeacoffee.com/elijahjane
Your generosity and support are what make this work possible! Thank You!
Always with love,
-me ♡ (elijah jane)
Want to stay in touch?
get my next letter delivered to your inbox
