Sheila and Bryan strolled through the mall, hand in hand. “This is nice. I can’t remember the last time we did anything just the two of us.” Sheila squeezed Bryan’s hand as they passed a jewelry store.

Bryan squeezed back. “It’s kind of sad that our date is shopping for a present for our daughter, but we couldn’t very well bring her along. It’s nice your parents were willing to watch her this evening.”

“It doesn’t matter that we’re shopping for her. At least we get to be together.” Sheila gave Bryan a smile and a wink. “Although I do want to find the perfect present.”

“Of course, you do,” Bryan said. “You’re always so good at coming up with ideas. Let’s try that department store.”

After wandering around several departments, nothing inspiring popped up. Sheila sighed. “I’m not feeling it. I think we’ll have to try somewhere else.” Three stores later, they still hadn’t found the right gift for their daughter. Discouragement started to set in.

Bryan steered Sheila toward the food court. “Come on. Let’s get some dinner. We’ll be more inspired once our bellies are full.”

Sheila couldn’t help grinning at Bryan. “You and your stomach. OK, fine. We’ll have dinner, but then we need to double down our efforts and find the absolute perfect birthday gift for Rylee.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Bryan gave her a mock salute and they made their way to the line at the counter of the nearest restaurant.

Ten minutes later, with trays between them, they sat at a table near the fountain. “Have you thought any more about the new job?” Bryan asked.  

Sheila sighed. “A little.”

Bryan’s forehead wrinkled. “I don’t understand. You said you wanted to get back to work now that Rylee is in school full time. This job with the school district sounds perfect. You’d be off the same days she’ll be off and you can still be with her in the summer.”

“I guess. It just sounds too good to be true. I don’t see why they would hire me. I’ve been out of the job market for eight years now. I’m sure they’ll want someone younger or with more recent experience.”

Bryan reached out and took Sheila’s hand. “Why are you trying to talk yourself out of this? You’re an amazing person. They’d be lucky to have you.”

“I don’t feel amazing.” Sheila picked at her French fries. “I feel like all my skills are rusty. Unless they need someone who knows how to get craft paint out of the carpet or how to hide vegetables in meals, I don’t have much to bring to the table.”

Bryan blinked. “I’m sorry you feel that way.” He was quiet for a moment. “Tell me. Why are you trying so hard to find the perfect gift for Rylee? You know she’ll like whatever you pick out.”

How could she make him understand? “I love her so much, and I get such joy out of making her happy. Her little face lights up and that gives me so much pleasure.” Sheila frowned. “I’m sorry. I guess traipsing around the mall isn’t your idea of a date night.”

Bryan shook his head. “That’s not why I asked. It’s because I thought of something I think will help you.” He pulled out his phone. “I read this in my quiet time this morning. It’s from Luke.  “If you know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”

“You want to give Rylee a good gift because you love her. But God is an even better parent than you are. He loves you and wants to give you good gifts too. I believe this job is God giving you a good gift. One that He picked out just for you because He loves you and wants to see a smile on your face.”

Sheila stared at her husband and swallowed against the lump that formed in her throat. She reached out for his hand. “God has already given me an indescribable gift in you. Thank you.”

Luke 11: 11-13

Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?  If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!

God, You never promise our lives will be easy, but You do love us and want to bless us. Help us to remember that we are Your precious children and You have a wonderful plan for our lives. Thank you for loving us, even when we fall away from You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.