Sunshine Basket

"Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first-fruits of all he created." James 1: 16 -18 (NIV)

"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you fathers if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven, give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" Luke 11:9-13 (NIV)

My two sisters have given me a "Sunshine Basket". It is a large white wicker basket that is decorated with paper flowers and tropical fruit. There is even a colourful lei on the handle of the basket. Inside the basket are gifts of all different sizes and shapes; each one is wrapped in colourful tissue paper in warm hues. It looks very tropical and fun.

On the first day I opened up the tissue paper and found a candle in the shape of a cupcake. It looks just like a chocolate cupcake with chocolate icing, my favorite.

On the second day I felt some of the packages and I was intrigued by the bumps on this package. When I opened the tissue paper I found a package of 12 scented lip balms - Icebreakers Sours. These will help keep my lips moist as chemo has a drying effect.

On the third day I decided to open a package that was large and soft. I was thinking it might be a top or a blanket. When I opened the tissue paper I found a pair of black fleece lounge pants. They had an elastic waist, as well as a drawstring. The word "me" was printed in a pattern on one of the legs. At times it is easy to forget about "me". I enjoy doing things for others; these pants are a reminder to also make time for "me".

Today is the fourth day and I again decided to open a package, whose shape intrigued me. Inside I discovered a box that contains "Pink Grapefruit Moisturizing Soap". This is part of the description on the box - "Slip away into a tropical paradise! We use only the finest ingredients in our products, and to ensure quality we mix them in small quantities. The addition of super rich Shea Butter seals the deal! Your skin will thank you and so will your senses!"

I look forward each day to opening up a new gift. I can have confidence that my sisters will give me only things that are good because I know that they love me. That is the same with God. I know that God loves me and He will only give me gifts that are good for me. God can be trusted. I have come to know Him more intimately in the last several years. I know that I can trust my heavenly Father. Aside from salvation, God's greatest gift, I have been given God's Holy Spirit to live in me. He empowers me; guides me; and encourages me. I am so thankful for all of God's gifts.