My first gift in life was a severe speech impediment. Whether you want to call it stammering or stuttering, either way I had a difficult time communicating. Each time I opened my mouth, I never knew if hot air or words would come out. Despite the frustration and pain, when I opened this box, inside I discovered an ability to express myself through writing.
At the pinnacle of my athletic career, the second strange present arrived in the form of reconstructive surgery. Although a state championship in cross country was in my reach, God had other plans. Watching from the sidelines on crutches, my team fell a few points short, stealing my only chance for a title. Beyond this disappointment, an likely blessing came my way, standing on a podium of praise following a 3rd place finish in the 200 Individual Medley Relay.
The final gift came in waves, as a series of broken relationships. I’m not sure if I was to blame or if fate had another destiny. Regardless of the circumstances, this lack of connection brought me to my knees. Humility, loneliness and spiritual isolation wasn’t a pleasant thing to unwrap. Nonetheless, all these things occurred for a reason, 1 Peter 1:6–7. Today, strangely wrapped gifts come in many shapes and sizes. However, these life events are necessary to fulfill the words of Romans 8:38-39, developing a close bond to an unseen God and Savior.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 