The perfect gift. Is there such a thing – especially for brokenhearted parents? Did you struggle to come up with just the right present to give your spouse, partner, parent(s), sister, friend or grandparent this year?

You want the gift to be special for those you love. It needs to show thought and care. You go to great efforts to take into consideration their likes and dislikes.

In recent years my husband and I have gone so far as to let our adult children shop for themselves. That way we know for sure they’re getting something they will like and need.

And what about your “prodigal”? That’s a horse of a different color. It really gets tricky, especially if they’re in rehab or new to recovery from any kind of addiction. You have to think about it a lot. Not just any old gift will do.

So what is the perfect gift?
The dictionary definitions of the words perfect and gift are:

Perfect = having all the required, desirable elements, qualities or characteristics; as good as it is possible to be; ideal; free from defects, flaws or imperfections; faultless; precise; accurate; exact; highly suitable for someone or something; exactly right.

Gift = a present; something given freely, without expecting payment or reciprocation, to show love, care or friendship. A thoughtful gesture of kindness and generosity to an individual on special occasions: birthdays, bridal showers, weddings, baby showers, Christmas, etc.

What would be the perfect gift for you from God? If you could sit in His lap and ask Him for absolutely anything–anything at all– what would it be? He’s the giver of good gifts. He loves you. He cares about you. He’s all-powerful. He’s able to do anything. And He invites you to ask.

But, when you do, leave your requests in His hands and trust. He makes no promises when another person’s free will is involved. He may give what you asked for–but, maybe not.

However, I can promise you this–He WILL give you exactly need to get through today. And I think it’s not a “thing”, but a person. He who was wrapped in cloths by a young girl, laid to rest in a manger, in a smelly stable — now seated on a majestic throne in heaven, continually praying for me and you, and for each of our children.

I’ve come to see that Jesus is my perfect gift. Perfect in every way. As good as it gets.

No matter what happens with my child, if I have Jesus, I have all I really need.

Dear God, please help every brokenhearted parent reading this today find all they need in You and in Your son. Thank you for giving Him to the whole world, the perfect gift for every wounded soul. You thought of everything.

Amen.