No, it's not that far off, is it...heavy sigh!

I love Christmas, its the materialism and covetousness that hurts!

Today is DS' birthday, and while we don't spend big bucks on gifts, we were able to find a few fun things for not too much money.  Unfortunately for him, they are FUN things...for his siblings...and so the morning proceeded with many tears over who had what and who wanted it. 

We parents love to give good gifts to our children...much consideration goes into the quantity, quality, prices, timing, trim, etc...and for me, into the resulting effect on recipient and non-recipients. 

I suppose the Lord must also consider not only the gift, but its impact upon all.  And I, covetous child that I am, cannot always find satisfaction in my own gifts, but despair of those I do not have, perhaps occasionally striving to gift myself with that which is not mine, not content to recognize how perfectly the Lord designs the gifts for those upon whom He bestows them. 

Praise be to Him for knowing better than I what is suited to me, and praise be to Him that in spite of the times I blow it even in the areas of His gifting, He does not withdraw those gifts, but rather teaches me!