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"These are the children the Lord has given me." Genesis 33:5
Some time ago a friend of mine punished his three year old daughter for wasting a roll of gold wrapping paper. Money was tight and he became upset when she tried to decorate a box to put under the Christmas tree. Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift to her father the next morning and said, "This is for you, Daddy." He was embarrassed by his earlier over reaction. But his anger flared again when he opened the box and found it empty. He shouted at her, Don't you know that when you give someone a present there's supposed to be something inside? The little girl looked up at him in tears and said, "Oh, Daddy, it's not empty. I blew kisses into it. I filled it with my love and wrapped it up just for you." He was crushed. Quickly her put his arms around her, hugged her and asked for her forgiveness. My friend told me that he kept that go,ld box by his bed for years, and whenever he got discouraged he'd take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child who had put it in there. In a very real sense, each of us parents have been given a gold container filled with the unconditional love of our children. There's not a more precious possession anyone could hold."
Ref: "The Word for You Today" (my daily devotional)
