Guest Post: Just What I Always Wanted!

Enjoy reading this guest blog by one of my dearest and best-est friends, Glenda! Then when you are done, go check out her blog at Nehemiah Mama! Merry Christmas!

One of my most vivid childhood Christmas memories goes back to when I was about five years old. We were spending Christmas Day in Glen Eden Beach, OR, where my maternal grandparents lived, as was our usual tradition.

Me, with my Grandpa, ca. Christmas 1986 

My Grandpa was my favorite person in the whole world. He was crazy, funny, warm, and a BIG kid. He loved toys as much as anyone. Another important detail to mention is that I was named after my Grandpa, Glenn.

Anyway, that particular Christmas, I had desperately wanted a“BabyTalk” doll. Remember those? They were all the rage that year. Christmas evening, as we gathered around the tree, the gifts were passed around as usual and Grandpa got a BIG present. I didn’t think anything of it. What I didn’t realize, is that the tag said, “To: Glenda, From: Santa.” But somehow, someone had read the tag as “To: Glenn, From: Santa.” (Can you see it coming?)

Grandpa opened his last gift. And as he opened the package and saw the Baby Talk, instead of saying, “This is a big mistake,” or “Whoops, I think this is for Glenda,” he said, “JUST WHAT I ALWAYS WANTED!” I was flabbergasted. And convinced there was terrible mistake. All I can say is, it’s a really good thing I loved him because I remember being devastated and...actually happy for him! (Isn’t it funny how a five- year-old brain works?)

BEFORE I opened my“BabyTalk,” ca. 1986

Maybe he strung me along for a little too long, but I’m pretty sure there were no tears. But, OH! How happy I was when I heard that the Baby Talk really was mine. To my recollection, I held that baby for the rest of that day and quite possibly the whole week. Knowing me, I might have even taken her to the bathroom with me. HA HA!

As I look back at that special Christmas, this thought occurred to me. I am so very glad that Jesus, the truest and best Gift of all time has all of our names on the gift tag. There are no mistakes, misunderstandings or misprints with the grace and mercy He extends to us. His gift is not just for specific few, but for the “whosoever will.” I can simultaneously enjoy a relationship with Jesus to the fullest and share Him with others.

May you be blessed with the enormity of the gift that is Jesus this Christmas season!