Do you have the gift of giving? Some people always know the right thing to buy. I am not one of those people. Are you? I read years ago about a famous father who sent his daughter an enormous present. It arrived a few minutes before the birthday party. When she opened the gift, imagine her surprise at finding her dad inside. She was afraid he would miss the party, but he arrived right on time. Way to go, dad!
Jesus taught his disciples to pray to their Father in heaven. He knew that dads are imperfect in our gift giving. But if we know our kids want something we don’t give them the opposite. If they want a fish, we don’t given them a snake, or a scorpion instead of an egg. Using an a fortiori argument from lesser to greater, he says, “How much more will your Father in heaven give . . .”
What gift do we seek from God? He is not a cosmic Santa Claus or a divine candy machine. Nor is he a genie who must grant our wishes. God is better than that. He is a father. So ask audaciously. Ask like my kids who know my genuine willingness to give to them. But know this: God will not give you his best gifts without first giving you Himself. Because our God is not only the great Giver, but the best Gift of all. Way to go, God!
