As I sat outside recently I realised how ungrateful, thankless and rude I was to my husband a few Christmas ago.
My love language is gifts. I love shopping and choosing gifts for people and then giving them with the anticipation of how much joy it will bring them. I used to spend even more time wrapping and preparing the gift, but as I have got older my budget for gifts and wrapping in this season has shrunk.
My husbands love language is not gifts…. so I have taken it upon myself since we met to teach him lol. I think I realised the other day that I am learning more than he is.
I have always said that it’s not about the amount that is spent but the thought that has gone into getting a gift, and that is true, but I realised I hadn’t been grateful for the thought he put in that Christmas.
At our house for Christmas it has just been the two of us, so when we married I kicked off our tradition of Santa sacks, full of fun and nonsense and very importantly chocolates and treats. We then get a couple of other gifts for each other for under the tree.
My wonderful, amazing husband HATES going to the shops, even the supermarket, so when he goes and takes the time to get things, I know it is him showing me he loves me – even when he doesn’t get what’s on the list, with photos and brand names of exactly what he needs to buy, 😂 He has still gone.
So back to me being ungrateful, thankless and rude.
I had been wanting a new Bible, the cover has fallen off my previous Bible so I thought that would be a special gift from him. I let him know the version I was after, sent him a selection of covers I liked, was specific about what Colour I didn’t think I wanted. I was trying to be as helpful in his search as possible. So when it came to Christmas Day, I thought I knew what to expect. But as I opened my gift and tried not to look shocked and horrified as I unwrapped a Bible that looked NOTHING like I had sent him a picture. The first thing I tried to subtly do was check if he had written in the cover so I could possibly return it. Apparently I wasn’t so subtle, as he asked me what I thought. I tired to be polite and as I looked at it, he had ticked everything I had asked for…. except I didn’t understand the choice of cover. He told me how he had seen it and thought of me. He had spent so long in the store choosing something that made him think of me. And I was so rude and internally ungrateful!
It is only now as I reflect, I see how bad I was 😐.
I think often we become like that with God. He provides for our needs, gives us beyond them, blesses us in ways we don’t even notice and we stop being grateful, we forget and neglect to give Him the glory and act like we are entitled to all that happens for us. When was the last time you thanked Him for the roof over your head, even if it’s not your dream home? When did you share with someone about God’s faithfulness in your life, His provision of food, friendships, work or that He sent His only son which means you get to spend eternity with Him?
Take time to appreciate your life, the big things and the little and show some gratitude for each one.
I challenge you for the next month to each day, before you go to sleep, to stop and be thankful for one thing that happened in your day. See how it changes how you view your life, your relationships and your God.
Ange xx
P.S – I have apologized to my hubby for my reaction to his gift 😊
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