James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
Like any good father, God gives us gifts because he loves us. He wants us to know we are more than what we can produce. And he reveals this through the many undeserved gifts he puts in our path.
Speaking of undeserved gifts…
One of the sweetest perks of being a college professor comes in the form of Spring Breaks. I think I took those breaks for granted when I was a student. As my college enjoys Spring Break this week, I can’t help but reflect on past celebrations that marked the halfway point of the semester.
Spring Breaks definitely look a lot different these days. Four years of undergraduate school found me chillin’ out in the sun and sand of Daytona Beach with my best friend. The two years of grad school at the University of Colorado gave me the opportunity to experience springtime skiing down slopes like Arapahoe Basin and Steamboat Springs. Now, years later, I’m writing from a quiet cabin surrounded by Pennsylvania woods with my husband. No beach. No ski slope. But deep satisfaction.
And appreciation for a Father who gives good gifts to his kids. Scripture tells us that all the good things we experience in life come from God. That includes occasional breaks from day-to-day living. I believe that’s why he not only established weekly Sabbaths, but ordained festivals (days off) amounting to 30 days a year for Israel! He wants us to see that our lives consist of more than productivity. He offers the blessing of rest in the midst of our weary, heavy-laden lives (Matt. 11:18).
Friend, I hope you recognize all the good gifts your Father provides for you. Especially the pauses, the moments when he presents opportunities for you to get outside of your routine and enjoy rest. Or embrace a new adventure.
As I sit here, looking out the window, I’m filled with even more gratitude for this Spring Break. Because I realize being here is a gift from my Father. He brought me to a new setting to give me a new perspective.
So I think I’ll call it a God Break. How about you? Any God Breaks in your life?