As I reflect on Christmases past I realize how inclined I was as a child to ruin surprises for myself. Despite my best efforts, I was always somehow unable to resist the temptation of sneaking around my parents’ bedroom looking for hidden Christmas gifts. I was usually waiting for just the right time to help Mom with laundry by putting some things away in her closet, or suddenly needing to borrow some socks out of her drawer -- whatever reason I could think of to get myself into their room to snoop!
One year, sometime in the late 80’s, I topped my Christmas list with a Make Me Pretty Barbie styling head. That may sound a bit creepy, but oh how I couldn’t wait to style her hair, adorn her with jewelry and practice all of my 7 or 8 year old make up skills on her lovely face! And what do you know; the day came when I snuck into some bags and found the Barbie box. I was over the top with excitement! However, that bubble soon burst when my mom caught me looking through her shopping bags. You see the rule at our house was that if we were caught snooping, those particular gifts would go back to the store. I spent the next weeks in total devastation. How could I have ruined it for myself? I was sick with regret. Why would I possibly break the rules and cheat myself out of a wonderful surprise and the exact toy that I most wanted?! You can imagine my complete surprise when I opened that same Barbie on Christmas morning. Oh how my heart filled with joy and thankfulness to a very kind and mercy-filled mom!
I think of how often we are impatient with God, unwilling to wait on His timing. There are circumstances in which we find ourselves doing everything we can to speed things up, search for our own answers or take matters into our own hands. It’s as if our grown up selves are looking through our parents’ closets, doubting that He truly is the giver of good gifts. How wonderful that God is also so full of mercy and grace for us. He does not withhold His gifts of answered prayers, blessings, wisdom or guidance simply because we have a difficult time waiting on them.
His gifts may not always be what we are hoping for or expecting, but God is always good and always faithful. If you find yourself in a season of waiting this Christmas, I encourage you to ask God to help you embrace this time and see His work through the waiting. God has not forgotten you – He is always working for your good and for His glory – and for that I am thankful this Christmas.