Nothing Compares
As I fill my online shopping cart with stuff no one (including me) actually needs, I find myself reflecting on our chat regarding the insatiable quest to reach the final point of enough.
As much as I love giving and receiving presents, I know nothing can compare to the gift of God's unfailing, unconditional, undeserved love.
Nothing.
I also know that as soon as I get something, I want something else.
Stuff never satisfies. I always want more.
Yet, the insanity continues as I keep filling my cart and eagerly await the daily visits from our friendly delivery drivers so I can wrap up all the goodies.
As soon as one list is checked off, another appears, and our search for more is on once again.
That's all fine and good, but we could try something extra this holiday season.
As we peruse our lists of family and friends to find that special something they really "need" this holiday season, we can also think about how we can share God's love with them in an impactful way.
What might they need?
Perhaps some forgiveness.
Maybe a little extra quality time versus a quick visit.
How about some help around the house?
Or perhaps less rules and expectations and more acceptance and kindness.
Maybe leaning in and just listening about the tough things they are feeling to let them know they have someone they can talk to without judgment.
Perhaps offering some extra encouragement and support.
Most importantly, you can remind them that they are the beloved child of God who is so loved and cherished just the way they are.
Because nothing - no gift, no act of service, no human kindness, can compare to receiving and believing the truth that we are unconditionally loved by God just as we are.
God's love for His beloved children is a gift that keeps on giving, and nothing in the whole wide world can ever compare to it.
Never ever.
Isaiah 40: 28-30
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Romans 8: 38-39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Psalm 86: 8-10
Among the gods, there is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name. For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.