May 3, 2006

Suitcase of Treasures

It was summer vacation and grandma Kate had a surprise for her three grandchildren.  She had traveled to the Colorado Rockies for a week-long family reunion.  With her she brought two suitcases.  The first filled with clothes for the trip, the second with gifts for the grandkids.  This “suitcase of treasures” contained toys of all shapes and sizes.  There were miniature trucks, animals, balls, books and building blocks for her grandson Zach.  For her two granddaughters, Rebecca and Emily, she brought dolls, stuffed animals, games, stickers, crayons and coloring books.

Grandma Kate was excited.  Her plan was simple.  She would keep the suitcase secret.  Hidden in her closet.  But everyday she would bring out a special surprise for each of her grandchildren.  The plan worked perfectly for three days.  The kids were surprised and grandma was delighted to give her special gifts.  But on day four the plan hit a snag. 

During the afternoon, two-year-old Zach wandered into grandma’s room.  He opened her closet and came across the closed but not locked suitcase.  Lifting the lid he got a surprise.  Toys, toys and more toys.  And right on top was the best prize of all.  The big surprise grandma had been saving for the last day of her trip.  A large, plastic Tyrannosaurus Rex—the king of dinosaurs.  With a squeal of delight Zach pulled out T-Rex and started playing with it. 

Hearing an unexpected commotion in her bedroom grandma Kate entered to find her secret suitcase open and Zach playing with the new toy.  Gently grandma asked Zach to give her the dinosaur.  Grandma explained that this toy was indeed for little Zach, but not at this time.  Zach however, didn’t want to give it up.  After continually refusing to relinquish the dinosaur, grandma had no choice but to gently take it away from him.  Crying in protest Zach lunged for the suitcase and snatched up a stuffed animal.  Calmly grandma explained that this gift was not for him, but for his sister.  It didn’t matter.  Zach cried even louder as the toy was returned to the suitcase.  With reluctance grandma shut the luggage and closed the closet door.  Now hurt and howling at the loss of his toys little Zach made a pronouncement familiar to parents with children going through their “terrible two’s”. 

“No!  It’s mine, it’s mine, it’s MINE.  And I want it NOW!  You don’t love me.”

Poor grandma.  Surprise spoiled.  Discipline needed.  Love questioned.  All because her cherished grandson saw what he shouldn’t have, took what wasn’t yet his, and claimed a right he didn’t have. 

Yet in the end it’s hard to fault little Zach for something that adults rarely handle better.  Like Zach, children of God have discovered their heavenly father has a suitcase of treasures.  A storehouse of blessings, gifts and other good things he can give.  But most of us don’t want to wait on God’s timing.  We want our blessings and we want them NOW.

Has God blessed a friend with financial independence?  Well, that’s what I want.  Has a co-worker been blessed with a promotion.  I want that too!  Is there a friend who seems to succeed in all her relationships?  I want that now!

And what happens if God’s plans don’t meet my expectations or timetable?  I too can throw a tantrum.  Mine may be more sophisticated than a two-year-olds, but the effects are often the same.  Inside I might cry and complain, pout and envy, accuse and demand, hoping to get my way.  I may even question God’s love because he doesn’t give me what I want.

But here are two secrets that God and good grandma’s know: 

           1.      Gifts are given when the time is right.  

           2.      Not everyone receives the same gifts. 

So if you don’t get what you want does that mean God is holding out on you?  Not at all.  It could be that God’s timing is different than yours.  Or maybe God intends to bless you in a different way than you expect.  Also consider, the gift you want may not be a gift intended for you. 

Here’s what we do know.  God is a devoted father who has already provided what you need most. 

He has given you his love.  (1 John 4:7-10)

He has promised his loyalty.  (Deuteronomy 31:6)

He gives you guidance.  (Isaiah 58:11)

He offers salvation.  (John 3:16)

He supplies you with hope.  (Romans 15:13)

He gives you a future.  (John 14:1-3)

All from a faithful father who has you on his heart.  So go ahead, ask him for what you want.  But trust him to do what’s best.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” James 1:17 NKJV

Todd Chobotar
Mission Development
Florida Hospital