The Gift of Giving

When I worked in a flower shop I found that there were flowers that were fresh on Saturday, but wouldn't make it through Sunday to be fresh still on Monday. So when I joined my church I asked a local flower shop if they would donate such flowers for our Sunday morning worship. This shop agreed to do so, and has been faithful to donate every Sunday for almost three years, and I have the dear pleasure of preparing a small fresh arrangement for Sunday services each week.

One Sunday I sat in church during services and gazed at the lovely flowers I'd arranged with such care. I was filled with joy to be able to worship the Lord in this way. I said to God in my mind, "I am so happy to be able to give you this gift!"

God answered me that day most clearly. He said, "You give me this gift? Don't you mean that I give you this gift?" I could only answer, "Yes, Father. You give to me, that I may give back to you."

Truly, even our praise of God is by His grace and is a gift from Him. As the hymn says, "Thou must light the flame, or never can my love be warmed to praise."

"Lord, my spirit's ardent feelings vainly would my lips express.
Low before thy footstool kneeling, deign thy suppliant's prayer to bless;
Let thy grace, my soul's chief treasure, Love's pure flame within me raise;
And, since words can never measure, let my life show forth thy praise!"