We had had a delightful Christmas holiday with family, but little did I know ,that my most important gift, was yet to be unwrapped. One that would require ongoing faith and courage and would continue to be unwrapped yearly as my future unfolded! It also became an answer to my lifelong prayer of wanting to be more like Jesus! 2 Corinthians 3:18, promises us that by looking to Jesus every day we can be changed into His image, and that is still my goal every day.

It began when my precious little daughter and I moved into a new apartment; we were so excited to add the finishing touches that would make it our very own. Our landlord had given me permission to do some painting and with great anticipation we selected the perfect new color for the walls. That night after I put my little girl to bed, I started to paint. Painting brought back happy family memories. My wonderful father had taught me just how to apply the paint, and everything seemed to go smoothly at first. However, as I began the long strokes and watched the color change, I began to experience symptoms that I had never felt before. At first, I thought I was catching a cold, but then the symptoms intensified, and I had to put my painting supplies away. The next day I hurried to make an appointment with my physician. Lab tests taken showed that I was highly allergic to a chemical that was coming up through my apartment venting. My downstairs neighbor was using using this chemical in an attempt to fight mold in her apartment! She had no idea how serious this was or how it would affect me from that day even to this.

Due to the effect of the chemical on my health we had to move from our new apartment. Over the course of the next years we had to move several more times and to sell or give away furniture and other household items. We never knew if we would be able to stay in any new home, it depended on my reactions to the many, usually un-noticed, chemicals that can be found in the soft furnishings and finishes that most apartments and homes have when they are built or renovated. In one home we even had to have the carpet removed, which was a large project that required money I had not planned for, but which God provided. We were blessed to also have loving assistance from friends and church members. The bible reassures us in Ephesians 3:20, 21, that God loves us and will do abundantly more for us than we even think of asking for.

At times this all seemed like a dream! I found that forgiving, trusting God, and praying were my most significant support tools. I still didn’t realize that I was busily unwrapping a gift that would require me to hold on to God’s unchanging hand for years to come, even my lifetime! He has continued to give me strength and courage to keep looking up and holding on to His righteous right hand! I often think of Isaiah 41:10, where God promises to me that He will not leave me, but will strengthen me and help me when I am in trouble.

This change also impacted my work, but most importantly, it also helped me. As a nurse I developed a type of empathy that I had never experienced before. Yes, I still struggle at times but now am much more patient with clients who have maladies that are not easily seen. For my patients, the invisible challenges are every bit as real as a physical wound.

I have been praying for one of the fruits of the spirit, found in Galatians 5:22,23, and believe that what God has promised to us he will absolutely provide.

What about you? What gifts have you received over the years that have kept on giving? Perhaps you may have a developmentally delayed child that you dearly love. Perhaps you have a chronic disease, or a caregiving role you never thought you could fill. The trials that life brings strengthens us and prepares us for what is ahead. In James 1:2-5 God promises that he will give us the wisdom to live with all these circumstances of life here on earth. Those mountains that seem too tall or the valleys so vast, can be gifts to be unwrapped daily, not just for us to grow from, but also to share with others!

Grace Abounds Ministries has also found that giving is truly an amazingly spiritual experience unequaled by none. It begins with John 3:16, For God so loved the world that He gave……. Our giving for 2026 includes this devotional, also a podcast in process, continued radio clips, the ministry of music and more!

As you wrap your gifts think of Him! We hope this season you will count us among the blessings that you have received this year. We are a small, humble ministry, but we have been called to serve and give. Perhaps at this time of year you are thinking of helping to support our efforts in this work. The amount does not matter; it is all for His work, and God will bless it. We sincerely appreciate your thoughts and gifts. Join us at Grace Abounds-ministries.org.

And remember that, “Moreover the law entered that the offense my abound (be more clearly seen) but where sin abounds, grace does much more abound! Romans 5:20