the perfect gift

I can remember a Christmas years ago when I was picking out a gift for a very close friend.  We had grown up together and were like sisters, really.  I knew her so well that it was going to be simple to find just the perfect present for her.

And find it I did.

A lovely peach sweater.

Delighted with my purchase, I could hardly wait until I was able to give it to her.  I wrapped it in traditional Christmas paper, and we planned a time to get together with our husbands and exchange gifts. 

When that time came, we gathered at my friend's home and casually put our boxes under the tree, waiting a bit to open them.

I just knew she was going to love what I had chosen for her.

Later when she and I were ready to open our gifts, we took the ones meant for us from each other and started tearing off the wrapping.  But as I took off the lid off my box, I became instantly confused.  I saw peach.  I saw sweater.  I saw my gift to her in her box to me....??

I panicked and checked the wrapping paper I'd just torn off.  It definitely was NOT the wrapping paper I'd put on....

I looked up and saw the same surprised reaction on her face as we simultaneously pulled identical peach sweaters out of our boxes.

And then we laughed hysterically while our husbands rolled their eyes.

Yes, we knew each other that well.

If two friends can know each other so completely and give each other the same "perfect gift", I realize how much more God, my Creator, knows me and knows how to give me exactly what I need, exactly when I need it.  It may come wrapped as a trial, a joy, or a consequence.  It may be just what I'm hoping for, or something I don't even know that I can't live without yet. But it fits perfect every time, never breaks, never wears out, and lasts for eternity without batteries.

It's designed with me in mind.

And makes me more like Him.

That's definitely a gift that keeps on giving.