The 3 Gifts

Gifts are often clues to others' personalities and how they match your personality. I loved the gifts I got for my birthday last year from my kids. They not only were little windows into them, but helped me to see how they view me in their lives.

My first gift was an antique doorknob chime. It spoke of valuing the old while creating something new and recreating something to make it valuable again. From my child that finds value in everything and can make something beautiful from anything!

My next gift was some mocha mix. It said be decadent, enjoy life! From my child who lives most days that way. It's only worth doing if it brings you joy.

My last gift was bangle bracelets! Beautiful and noisy--just like my last child!!

But each gift made me realize the quality that each of the children liked best in me. First, how I value each of them and all that they try to be. Second, how I try to help them understand true joy in all situations. And third, how beauty and life should be expressed in praise by making a joyful noise!! I guess those qualities are worth celebrating!

The Best Toys

Have you ever watched a 5-year-old playing? They can make characters out of anything. I onced watched a 5-year-old turning pen caps into superheros. And when I tried to take them away and give him some real toys, he would have none of it. You would have thought I was stealing priceless gems from him. He loved those characters and protected them and truly enjoyed them.

Some days I feel like a pen cap, and everyone else looks like superheros! But the good news is---God loves me just as much as them. And not only that--He protects me and truly enjoys me! And that goes for you, too!!