Giving with no strings attached...

Today after getting some girl time with my girls this morning (albeit at a doctors appointment) Austanne decided to be extra nice to her brothers and sister and leave little gifts around the house. She went into each room, found something she thought one of them would like and left a little note attached. She hid each individual gift and waited until just the right time to reveal it!

Upon finishing up our school lessons, she became very excited! The boys finished first! She asked politely, "Boys, are you done with your lessons?" to which they replied "yes!"..... excitedly she asked me "Mommy! Can I go give them their surprises?" Of course, I said yes.

Excitedly she told the boys to close their eyes and follow her. They listened. They tripped a little, almost fell at times, nearly running into the wall, she held their hand leading them along to their bedroom to the "great surprise!" Excitedly the boys opened their eyes when she gave the words to do so! They "opened" their surprise! James received a necklace with two pennies, and David a shirt and his little gold star that pins on it that states "Sheriff David". Excited, David stripped off his shirt and put on the "new" shirt (which he has owned for the last 6-8 months but seemingly has forgotten that) Proud as could be Austanne stood watch as her brothers basked in the glory of their gifts!

Tabitha finished her lessons, and Austanne took her to their bedroom, and she also provided Tabitha with a gift. Tabitha, excitedly opened up her present and thanked Austanne! Again, Austanne was so proud! Austanne then led me to my room, where she had a piece of material with 6 tacks in it and a necklace chain also for me. Excitedly I said "WOW! Thank you SO much! I LOVE it!" She was so sweet!

Then, as if it was not surprising enough that Austanne blessed US all with a gift, Tabitha walked into her room, excitedly and prepared a gift for Austanne last second! Austanne was shocked as she did all this without expecting anything in return. Of course, she loved Tabitha's gift for her!

How much is this like our Heavenly Father? He blesses us with so many gifts as His children! He leads us by the hand, and as we feel out way around, and feel like we may be in the "dark" aimlessly trying to get to that location, we know that our Father only means good for us and blesses us so richly! Whether He gives us something so simple like the clothes on our back, or money in the bank, He loves us! How much does it bless His heart to see His children give back to Him? How much can we bless His heart by showing Him a token of our appreciation by saying THANK YOU GOD for EVERYTHING You have blessed us with?

So simple.... yet will you take a moment today to say THANK YOU LORD?