- I like to lavish others with gifts; I tend to go overboard when I do. Absolutely blessed, and even spoiled–would describe someone who becomes the object of my affection or benevolence. So, when Sergeant Rock, our basset hound was fed with leftover chicken tetrazzini three days in a row, he no longer wanted dry dog food. Those sad, begging eyes outside the glass door had become the object of my affection.
I like to give surprises, especially unexpected ones. Sometimes it’s an instant deed. Sometimes, a well-thought-out plan. Gratefulness from my recipients usually comes in many forms: a wagging of a tail, a sweet smile, a hug, even a toothless grin.
While on vacation in Odiongan, Romblon, Philippines in 2000, my family of 10 siblings went shopping for marble figurines to bring to the U.S. We went to the marble shops by the pier. The shops, lined in a row, were stacked to capacity with marble goods of varied colors and sizes. Separated only by sidewalls, all the shops opened freely on the front side. We walked inside each shop. The eager vendors met us with offers of good deals. I suggested to my group that we scatter and buy from every shop. We wanted all the vendors to benefit from our purchases. I bought a few figurines in one shop and bought some more in two others. My sisters did the same. We bought a great number of figurines; the vendors had smiles as we walked back to the waiting van.
But, as I walked past the first store on my way out, I noticed a young vendor girl sitting on a stool. Her very sad face was almost in tears. Right away I realized no one had stopped at her shop so she didn’t get any of our business (her shop was the first shop). Feeling bad for the young girl, I turned around, took $20 from my purse and placed it in her hand. I gave enough as if we also bought from her store (and she didn’t even have to part with her figurines). She was stunned–her eyes got big. I left before she could say anything. On our way back to the hotel, I imagined how happy the vendor girl must have been showing the other vendors her unexpected blessing. At that very moment, the sad, vendor girl had become the object of my benevolence.
You and I are objects of God’s affection. He wants to shower us with heavenly blessings every day. I especially like it when He blesses me beyond my expectations.
One morning many years ago, I waited with many others for the doors of Stein Mart to open. The newspaper ad that morning stated that the first 50 customers will receive gift certificates amounting to $500 altogether. Those who didn’t get gift certificates will receive sale coupons. I had not planned on going shopping or wait in line that morning, but I happened to drive by the shopping center. Upon seeing the gathering crowd, curiosity got the best of me so I turned around, parked, and joined the waiting group.
I found a spot close to one of the doors. The crowd had grown to around 40 hopeful folks. I’m the type who speaks to God in my mind always, so looking at the crowd that morning, I spoke to God in my thoughts.
“God, is there someone in this crowd who loves You more than I? I want You to know that You are the Object of my Affection, Lord. Would you please show me likewise that I am Yours? Please let me have even just a small gift certificate when I enter the door. AMEN.”
After a long wait, the doors finally swung open. As I made my way in, a woman clutching a little girl shoved me to the side. No biggie, I thought as I slowly walked inside. A sale’s lady stood by each door handing red envelopes. I received mine. Opening my envelope, I saw a plastic card but didn’t understand it since no words or amount were written on the card. The woman who had bumped me stood ahead of me. I asked if I could see what her card said. I saw $10 hand written on her card. Puzzled for my card didn’t show any amount, I asked the sale’s girl what I had. “You got the big one! $275!” she exclaimed.
Imagine that. I could have just gotten the $10 had the woman not bumped me. Although $275 may not be a big amount to others, the fact is: that morning God showed me I was the object of His affection by answering my wish. Even when I asked for only a small gift, He went overboard and gave me the biggest gift Stein Mart offered that day.
Let us always show our love to others, especially the poor people around us. Let us make God the object of our affection always. We can be assured that we are the objects of His affection.
John 3: 16 “For God so loved the world that He gave us His only Begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.”