The Greatest Gift Ever

A few months ago, after our family had been to Disney World, I began thinking how neat it would be for me to take each of our children to Disney World (just by myself) before they graduated.  I think that I thought it sounded adventurous and exciting, but knew it would probably never happen.  I mentioned my idea to my husband and I recall he didn't say anything.  I figured he was thinking, "You're kidding, right????"!  Well, as I was looking at Disney World vacation plans, I commented to the family about how they were having special deals during February and early March.  Some of the deals were up to 40% off of resorts.  It sounded neat, but still seemed impossible.  I decided to let it go and figured maybe we would be able to go one more time as a family before the oldest one graduated from college - in six years.

A few weeks ago, my two oldest children said something about my birthday present.  They asked if I had any idea what it was.  Since it was still a few weeks until my birthday, I really didn't think they or my husband would even really have it at that time, but they kept mentioning it.  Finally, my husband asked, "Do you want to know what your present is?"  Shocked that he asked, I said, "Sure!"  I still can't believe his answer!  He said, "Well, you and Lauren will leave on Friday and return on Monday" and told me the dates.  The same dates I had mentioned months ago about the Disney World specials.  I knew exactly what he was talking about!  He was sending my daughter and I to DISNEY WORLD!  I hollered (not too loud...we were in a hotel!)  I jumped up and down (not too high....we had people underneath us...didn't want to scare them!)  I shouted, "I'm going to Disney World! I'm going to Disney World!"

Then reality set in:  I'm going to Disney World with my daughter....driving to the airport.....checking the luggage......flying to Orlando.....staying a few days.....having fun.....flying back......driving home....and I'm doing this without my husband!  Then I thought, "HOW MUCH IS THIS COSTING? CAN WE DO THIS?"I was excited and a little nervous - all at the same time! 

Well, I eventually went to sleep and slept well.  When I woke up the next morning, it was an hour or so before I thought about the gift.  I thought, "Is it true?  Am I really going to Disney World?  Did he really say that?"  It seemed unreal.  A GREAT, unexpected and to me, undeserved gift.  He assures me the discounts were great and that he is taking care of everything.  I only have to get to the airport.  Disney will do the rest!  (We've never stayed at a resort and we've had a rental car in the past, so this will be different.)

A wonderful, special, great gift!  I'm so excited!  But is it the greatest gift ever?  No.  It's not the greatest gift.  The greatest gift was given to me over 2000 years ago.  It was given to you, too.  The greatest gift there ever has been and ever will be is the gift of Jesus, given to us by a Father who loves us enough to give His Son to die on a cross for our sins.  A Father that loved us enough to allow our sins to be paid for by the blood of Jesus and the blood that continues to cover the sins of His children still today.

The gift of a Disney World vacation is magnificent and I can't wait to share it with my daughter.  The gift of Jesus is the most magnificent gift ever and I must share it with the world!

Thank you, Joe!  I still can't believe you did this! What a wonderful gift! (By the way, it needs to be Lauren's birthday gift, too!) :)

Thank you, God! I'm amazed at your love for me! What a wonderful gift you have given your children!