“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”

Matthew 7:11

Now in our coldest of the four seasons, I’m warmed by the memory of a sweltering July day when our in- ground sprinkler system sprung a leak. We were forced to use our above-ground manual sprinkler around various stations of our lawn. Honestly, my reaction wasn’t to “praise the Lord for this gift!” Our response to trials reflects our true character, doesn’t it? Surprisingly, there were good outcomes of that leak ... but we had to pause and notice them. We were outside more, absorbed sunrises, enjoyed watching the birds splashing, and appreciated the Lord’s occasional provision of rain showers. Sometimes, gifts from Jesus aren’t wrapped in pretty paper. Our response to all his gifts, despite their outward appearance, should be that of gratitude.

Dianna Hitchler
Onalaska, WI

Giving Father, thank you for sending us valuable lessons cleverly disguised as trials. Amen.

Reflect: During your next trial, name your blessings ... one by one.

Read: I Peter 1:6-9 and Matthew 7:7-11