The Gift

On By Beth AlisanIn Lessons

On a typical morning in our household, Adi will leap from her resting place next to my chair the moment she hears my husband’s feet hit the stairs.  On the way she’ll grab a shoe so she’s prepared for a proper greeting.  When he reaches the foyer, he’ll slow down long enough to receive the shoe and give her a pat on the head.  Usually that satisfies her, and she’ll curl up next to me again.

On this particular morning, Adi wanted more of his attention.  I watched as she walked around the living room gathering her “gifts”- a slipper, an antler, and a pair of gloves.  Then she waltzed into the kitchen and stood waiting for the moment when he would turn to her so she could present her impressive gift and receive another round of affection. 

How often have I been like my Lab and gathered “gifts” to take to my Heavenly Father, sure they would impress Him.  Just like my husband loves Adi not for the “gifts” she brings, but simply because she’s our Adi-girl.  So my Heavenly Father loves me not for what I have to offer, but because I am His. (Ephesians 2:10). As a matter of fact, He is the one offering me a priceless gift in love.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

John 3:16, NIV

God lovingly offers you this gift as well. Have you turned to Him yet to receive the gift of eternal life through His Son Jesus?

“I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.”

Proverbs 8:17, NIV

© 2023, Lessons from a Lab, Beth Alisan.  All Rights Reserved.

28 thoughts on “The Gift”

  2. “The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion” (Psalm 116:5). We don’t have to ply him with gifts, but he graciously and with compassion accepts those we offer. Please thank Adi for another wonderful lesson for us!

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  5. What a beautiful truth you so sweetly illustrated with your precious Adi! I instantly thought of Rock of Ages, that good old hymn. “Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling.” What love the Father has for us! Blessings, Beth.

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    1. Thank you Pastor Pete! I can only imagine the “gifts” your elkhounds found in the fields. Our cat gives in a similar manner. Only she gives her gifts (usually camel crickets or skink lizards) not to us humans but to Adi. She leaves them on Adi’s dog bed then lays nearby either watching for Adi to discover them or to ensure they don’t crawl away.

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    1. Thank you Tierney! Adi is a generous gift giver. These days her attempt to give gifts is often thwarted by Summer who is just as eager to snatch the gift (usually a shoe) out of Adi’s mouth and run off with it.

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  11. I’ve brought such “gifts” to God before, and remember sensing a tender “I love you” from Him in return.
    This is all the more amazing, because our Heavenly Father doesn’t need us to bring him anything, but He delights in our response to His love.
    Adi looks so cute with three different things in her mouth all at once!
    Thanks for sharing another thoughtful and helpful post. God Bless!

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    1. God is so gracious in receiving our gifts just like a parent with a beloved child. It is quite amazing how many things Adi can fit into her mouth. Summer doesn’t have the drive to give us gifts. Rather she spends her time trying to take from Adi whatever she is carrying in her mouth.

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  12. Thank you for this lovely doggy devotional with your ever beautiful Adi; how we love gifts. And what a gift we find in Ephesians 2 that God offers us out of love despite our sin. May our Father God continue to guide and bless you today sister 🙏

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