With the holidays barreling towards us, my mind begins to focus on Christmas lists and gift-giving. I’m the father of two teenagers, Colby and Katy, and as they grow, they pride themselves in their self-sufficiency and how they require so little from Mom and Dad. And they might be right because even their Christmas lists are shorter this year. 

Besides needing food, water, shelter, clothing and transportation, they are completely independent. It’s easy to laugh at my kids, who think they have it all figured out, knowing how much they still have to grow.

However, am I any different? Not really. I work my job, pay my bills, live my life and think, “I’ve got this!” All the while letting myself live completely oblivious to the blessings in my life and the path God is leading me on. 

“I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” – 2 Corinthians 6:18 

God renews his promise to see us as his children. As his children, we are given the gifts of his limitless mercy, grace and love.

Someday, my kids are going to grow up and they’re going to have kids of their own. I’m excited for the day when they realize, after supporting little Colby and Katy Junior for 16 years, just how much they needed Mom and Dad all along. 

It’s a beautifully satisfying experience to smugly tell your children, “I told you so.” Fortunately, our God is classier than me and doesn’t mock our ignorance.

Gifts are going to be flying all over the place in the coming days. We’re going to be giving and we’re going to be getting. This Christmastime, while we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, the greatest gift the world has ever been given, let’s also remember our God is still gifting us every day with his mercy, grace and love.

Written by Nik Holman, content specialist and project manager for Buckner International.