Sunday, September 25, 2016

Treats by God



I was in my early teens when after some disappointing happening I received a parcel from the U.S. from my father’s uncle. There was latest VOGUE magazine inside. I would literally jump up and down from joy and explore with delight each and every page of fashion and beauty. Occasionally, my father’s uncle sent me these magazines, which was a big happening every time. Looking back, I realize that it was God’s treat to me that particular day, a much-needed pick-me-up which I still remember very clearly.
More recently, end of this summer I was at an international Christian summer camp in Turku area, Finland. My holidays in Europe were almost over, and it was soon time to return to China. The speakers at the camp opened up some important and relevant topics. There was a moment when I was deeply moved and retreated to the little wooden house where I stayed during the camp. Some mounting concerns which I had laid aside during holidays suddenly overtook me. In the silence of the room, I surrendered those to Jesus.
Later that camp day, I was planning to go to sauna. My friend kindly offered to take care of my daughter and watch my son. Dark clouds were gathering and it started to rain and thunder, but I was excited to go anyway! Once I reached sauna, I realized there were only few people and the female side was fully at my own disposal. It was so great to be there all by myself. After some time of warming up, I ran out to swim in the sea in heavy rain. It was a moment of freedom, wild beauty, and excitement. I repeated sauna and swimming cycle once again. While soaking in sauna for the last time and looking at the pines of forest through a window, I was thinking what a special gift especially for me was this moment and how I have needed such before heading back to everyday challenges. My spirit was lifted.
God gives us moments of pick-me-up, nice surprises which help us get going. He knows us and what we like, and sometimes it is so clear He reaches out to encourage us after or in midst of something challenging or hard. In fact, we can notice Him constantly giving us treats of some kind. Last week, a nice surprise was a dinner invitation at home by a person whom so far I only knew online. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights (James 1,17). He will not deprive of good things them that walk in innocence (Psalm 84,12).