The Best Gift Ever
Beth Marshall
What was your best gift ever? My top three:
- Spirograph. If you’re younger than 30, Google it.
- White go go boots with 2-inch heels
- Box of creative goodness - construction paper, scissors, glue, finger paint, clay and my personal favorite: glitter. The only way the glitter calamity could have been any messier would have been to give all the kids espresso or maybe some stray kittens.
Years later, I got the all-time best gift from my mom.
The Question That Started It All
After our son, Michael was born I remember feeling restless. We were attending church with our new baby. We had jobs we loved, but something was missing. A pastor invited me to experience the 28-day “Ten Brave Christians” challenge. Reluctantly, I said yes. As I started waking early to read the bible and write in a journal, something amazing happened. I felt my prayers were connecting to God. Early one morning I prayed a primitive prayer, “Jesus, I don’t know much about you, but if you’re real would you come into my life?” And He did.
There were volumes I wanted to learn about my new faith. Even though I didn’t have all the answers, and still don’t, I loved knowing I would spend eternity in heaven.
So, back to my mom. Several years later I began to wonder where she stood with her faith. Mom was an extravagantly generous person, hilarious and full of love. We could talk about most anything, but had never discussed our faith. I love the simplicity of Romans 10:9, “that if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” I had to know. I sat down and wrote her a letter.
The News That Changed It All
Sharing faith with people who know everything about you can be uncomfortable, but every awkward moment is worth it.
I still have the letter she sent back to me. Mom told me how much she loved me. Then she talked about her Christian faith and assured me she was good with the Lord.
Late one night several months later we got the call. There was no warning, only the shocking news that mom had died. Losing her was the most crushing season I’ve ever experienced. But nothing compares with the confidence of knowing she will be in heaven when I get there one day.
Maybe you’re going through a chaotic time right now. If so, you might have more questions about God than answers. You’re not alone. Would you consider asking Jesus in? You don’t need a big crowd or the Hallelujah Chorus playing in the background, just a simple prayer. He’s the greatest gift you’ll ever know.
Here is an incredible place to find out more.