Let's pretend I placed a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate souffle in front of you, and you really want to eat it.
It is my gift to you. But you say, "Oh no, I really can't," and you push the souffle back because you feel unworthy.
Did you receive it? You would probably say, "no."
For you to receive it, you would have to eat the souffle, and let it become part of you.
God gave me a gift yesterday via an affirming e-mail from a friend. She wrote "...sure appreciate your sharing in depth about your life with God [on your blog.] You are brave!"
My friend was kind and took time out of her busy day to encourage me. She knows blogging is out of my comfort zone.
My first response was, "Who, me?" I don't feel brave and that is not a word that I apply to myself. I can think of countless other people that are really brave.
I did not realize that I had not received her gift until I reviewed my day with God that night.
Two of the Daily Examen questions for my reading of the Annunciation Story (Luke 1:26-38) were: "Who have been your messengers? What might they be announcing to you?"
The angel Gabriel was God's messenger to Mary to announce that she had been given the gift of bearing the Son of God. Mary received God's gift.
I felt God's gentle nudge. Why didn't you receive my gift from my messenger, your friend?
My self-protective defenses drop. Thank you, God, for using my friend to encourage me that I am on the right path - even if it feels bumpy.
This seems to be His recurring message to me if you read my post "Am I free to receive His love?"
Thankfully, He is patient and doesn't mind repeating Himself.
What about you? How do you receive God's gift(s) to you?
Linking up with encouraging Emily at Imperfect Prose
Also linking up with blessed Bonnie of Faith Barista
© Soul Stops/Dolly L. 2011. Creative Commons License: Okay for noncommercial use if you attribute this post to me and link to my permalink and blog.