The Gift of Presence

I just love those surprise boxes that are fashioned around a theme and filled with all sorts of lovely things, don't you? 

Although I’ve never actually bought one {or received one}, my eight-year-old niece Devon snared one of those goodie boxes when we were in St. Augustine over Thanksgiving.

While my sister and I browsed around a sweet boutique called Declaration & Co., I looked up to see Devon at the counter being handed a big box. 

I wondered what my sister was buying her, but instead my sister waved me over and said, “Look what she just won!” 



For finding two mouse ornaments hidden around the store, Devon was gifted a box with a label that declared, “Cute Things Inside.” 

Filled with chocolates, leggings, wrap, ribbons, cards, and a hairband, Devon couldn’t have been more excited. 

I’ll admit I had a hard time not wanting to steal it from her. 

As I looked through it longingly, she warned me that she wanted to keep EVERYTHING that was inside.



Maybe she gets her love of tiny surprises from her auntie. 

When I went to Italy this summer, I think I was more excited to see what was inside the swag bags waiting on our pillows at the hotel to welcome us to the art and faith retreat than I was about some of our excursions. 

{And those swag bags filled with journals and vintage postcards and everything we'd need to make a keepsake necklace didn't disappoint, by the way!}

But maybe even better than the gift of presents is the gift of presence. 



I’m finding that no matter how long I know him, I still can’t measure the innumerable ways God chooses to be present with us. 

When I sense a shift in my circumstances and a confirmation of my tentative faith-risks, I see the vision he {still} has for my life.

That peculiar plan, purposed just for me, eclipses my fears, infuses me with courage and beckons me forward.

It may take months, it may take years, but as he authors my story and while I wait for God to move, I'm moving ever closer to him. 

Because for reasons unfathomable to us, as we celebrate God coming to earth as a man to be present with us, he waits for our presence.

{Yours and mine.}

You will make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. - Ps. 16:11 NIV

For you who are waiting for something, don't give up hope; keep holding on. 

For you who are afraid to take a chance to start the new year with something new, take the risk and step out.

For you who are looking for a miracle, know that with God nothing is impossible; lean into him. 

For you who are uncertain and doubtful that God could still have a purpose for you, he will not let you go; know that you are so very loved and so cherished by him. 

{I'm holding on to these truths and pray that you will too.}

Our last shopping stop in St. Augustine was at a vintage store where I deliberated long over a chippy painted table. 

My sister and niece both told me I’d love it {and got tired of waiting for me} so I finally believed them and loaded it in the car. 

Settled in my dining room and flanked by my favorite pink velvet chairs, I'm looking forward to the gift of sharing coffee and a scone at this table with those in my life whose presence I'm celebrating.

What presents are you unwrapping this holiday season? Or whose presence are you gloriously grateful for in your life?

I'm celebrating all of you, my lovely readers! Happy holidays and I am so grateful for every one of you! xoxo

I'm having coffee with my friends at Holley Gerth's place at Coffee for your Heart. Join me and my blogging friends there by clicking on the image!