Active Theology

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17, NIV)

A few weeks ago I was reminded of God’s love for me through a Malibu Barbie Dreamhouse and my cat vomiting all over my house. Do you ever have one of those days where you notice the love of God in very unexpected ways?

My 4 year old daughter, Elsie, had $50 of Christmas money, and of course she wanted to spend it immediately after Christmas. We went to Walmart a few days after Christmas, and before we left the house, Elsie shared with me that she wanted to buy a Barbie house with her money. If you know anything about Barbie dreamhouses, you know that they are expensive! New, they are about $100-$200, on average. I told Elsie that she may not be able to get a Barbie house with her money, but I told her maybe she could get another cool Barbie set.

We show up to Walmart and low and behold, there is a Malibu Barbie Dreamhouse on rollback for $49. She was truly thrilled. And honestly, I was probably equally thrilled for her, if not more. I was so excited that she was going to have her Barbie house. I kept reminding Elsie what a blessing this was and that God was looking out for her at Walmart today. People might describe all of this as an awesome coincidence, but I hold tightly to James 1:17 (“Every good and perfect gift is from above..”) and choose to thank God for it all.

Going home from Walmart I truly just felt God’s love for me in a big way. God provided for my daughter with some Christmas money and a Walmart rollback.

After we got home with the Barbie Dreamhouse, we discovered three separate areas of the house that had cat vomit. Despite that being a bummer, I was actually not that upset, because I had just received a Bissell Little Green for Christmas.  If you know any of the hype about the Bissell Little Green or other portable carpet cleaners, then you understand why as a mom of three children (and a cat), that this was on my Christmas list. (I guess this is what can happen to your Christmas list when you are over 30.)

It may seem silly, but I truly felt God’s love for me again. A couple of days ago, if our cat had thrown up on 3 different rugs in our house, it would have been exponentially harder for me to clean it up. I felt God’s love in providing a way to clean these messes (and test out my new Christmas “toy”).

I’m reminded of 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Not every day is it so easy to see God’s love. But I truly believe that if you are looking for “gifts” from God throughout your week, you will find them. God’s will for us is to be thankful in all things. What a radical mindset shift from our world of complaining and dissatisfaction. My hope for you is that you would see God’s love in a tangible way this week, and strive to be that reminder of God’s love to others. Although I truly do not hope your pet vomits on your carpet this week…

Pray: God, thank you for the many gifts you have given us, even the ones we may not be as quick to recognize. I pray we would strive to be thankful in all things this week, and that you would help us to see and show your love each day.

Song: Stacking Stones by Bridge Worship

Haley is a stay-at-home mom of 3 kids. She loves illustrating, designing, coffee dates with her husband, and teaching her children about Jesus. A few of her favorite things are Coke Zero, Peanut Butter M&M’s, and TJ Maxx.