I was having a bit of a pity party. Not sure why…it was just one of those days. A 2 hour drive to our office...my thoughts were all over the place and I became aware that I was arguing with myself. "C’mon Diane…snap out of it!" My to-do-list was long & one of my tasks was to buy a gift for my Kris Kringle. I had a busy week ahead of me and wouldn't have the time to get something so, with 15 minutes to spare, I walked towards the shops.
A middle-aged couple walked past me holding hands, laughing, cuddling; so much love & joy. And right behind them, was another couple with several kids around them. They too were joking with one another and I heard one of the kids say to his dad, "You really love mum don't you!" and then the 3 young boys, in unison, squealed, "Eww that's gross!" and mum & dad grabbed each other, kissed and hugged even tighter bringing the boys all together for a group hug. It was obvious this family really valued and loved one another.
My thoughts were loud and went something like, "I wonder what it would be like…to be loved like that. Then another thought came that seemed to be even louder, "That only happens in fairy-tales." I remember thinking “fairy-tales?” where did that come from?
Anyway, I kept walking towards the shop mindful of the time. “I’m sorry Lord. Forgive me for being jealous. Thank you for Your Love. Thank you for my family and my beautiful children and grandson and all the fun times we share. I really am blessed & grateful. I'm just feeling a bit lonely now and one day would like to know what love, like those two couples just displayed, would be like. I'd love to live in a fairy-tale like that!" I took a deep breath and then another thought followed, "But that’s never going to happen. Fairy-tales aren't real.”
"STOP it!" I captured that last thought and I walked into the shop. Candles were lit, small trees sparkling, the smell of cinnamon and pine, gorgeous home wares and soft Christmas music was playing in the background. “Thank you Lord for all I do have! I have so much more than so many others. And I've got You! What more do I need?” I smiled deeply and I sensed God's Presence give me a gentle hug.
My eyes wandered around the shop focusing on getting that Kris Kringle gift. "Let's see...what would she like to have?" I was drawn to a table in the middle of the shop that was set with gold & silver plates, glasses, candles and a dazzling centerpiece. How beautiful!!! I picked up a painted porcelain heart with a lock and key and thought, "That's it! The perfect Kris Kringle gift for her."
I was about to head to the cashier when I noticed a small dish on that same table which seemed out of place. It was white with a black outline and had a hand-written message on it. It looked like someone had taken a black marker and had written on it. But what it said stopped me in my tracks!
It said, “One day the Fairy-tales will come true.”
I stood there wide-eyed & stunned!! I read it again.
“One day the Fairy-tales will come true.”
That time, it hit me. It took my breath away and I could feel a lump in my throat and I had to fight back the tears.
"That one's for you, Diane. It’s My promise to you," I heard Him say.
One day my Prince WILL come! In real life! And I will finally experience the kind of love God intended.
How great is our God that He would give me this small, yet oh so significant, gift!
What has He given you lately?
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