The young boy opened his one gift, that sat in front of him at his school desk. There were other kids that surrounded him too. Each child having one Christmas gift. Though the camera was mostly fixated on this particular extra grateful child. As he excitedly tore the wrapping paper that covered the box in front of him; he gleamed with joy at its contents inside. Inside were although nice gifts; were ones that many of us take for granted. There were pencils, paper, toothpaste, shirts and other necessities of the like. In one instance, he held bar soap to his face pretending to wash with excitement. He was so grateful for a gift, that many of us would not consider a gift. Though this small boy found joy, in even the smallest of pleasures.  

Friend, how often do we take for granted the material blessings that God provides?  Whether the big stuff, or the small stuff, all the stuff we have are blessings. In that moment as I watched this boy from the other side of my screen, I was humbled. For he had a richness that many of us do not have. Though most of us may have all those things contained in his box; he had something much bigger. This child had the richness of gratitude. That is far worth more than all the supplies my home can hold.

Friend, look around you; count your blessings. How kind and gracious God is to us. It is this child with little, that held so much worth; for he had the heart of gratitude. The boy smiles and I cry. For as he is rich with thankfulness and gratefulness; I am left humbled with what I learned, from the boy with one gift. To the world’s standard, he received little. In truth, he had already had something money cannot buy.

Erin Fitts-Brower

Psalms 107:1

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.