Friday, April 10, 2009

Why Can't I Just Accept the Gift

The other day Mike came home from an afternoon out with the kids (giving me a much needed break) and handed me a beautiful box. Inside this lovely wrapped present was a very nice gift certificate for a full day at a very posh spa. 

He bought it 'just because'.

I was floored. We have been trying so hard to save money because the future is so uncertain. He is a self-employed real estate agent and to say our income is based on the shape of the economy is an understatement.

Knowing one of the rudest things a person can do is not accept a gift, I smiled, kissed him and thanked for thinking of me.

And then I spent the whole night wondering 1. Could I find a way to return it without anyone knowing and use the money for summer camps? 2. Can we really afford such a frivolity? 3. Why would he do this? 4. Why can't I accept the gift?

The fourth question really rung in my head. I love spa days. They are a fantastic way to relax, unwind and you feel like a million dollars when you are done being pampered from head to toe. Here was my husband offering me something wonderful and I was trying to find a way to get out of it. Wasn't I worth the day of pampering?

Why did I feel unworthy? I'm a good mom. I give my heart and soul (and even my sleep) to my family. A day at a spa is a wonderful thank you all moms should enjoy. Yet--I can't seem to get past spending that amount of money on just me.

Isn't there a better use for it?

And so I sit here on Good Friday feeling unworthy and my thoughts journey back 200o years when God brought us the greatest gift of all. His son. And out of pure love, His son gave His life for me, for us to be forgiven. And if there is anything I am not worthy of, this is it. 

Many of you know the line 'I a poor miserable sinner'. We recite it weekly as we confess our sins and a receive forgiveness. And I am so not worthy.

But God believes I am. He believes we all are. How are we to deny this gift He gives us?

And God knows so much more than we do!

I am feeling better about my much smaller gift. My husband loves me and feels I am worthy of this day at the spa. The gift is a way he is saying thanks and showing me his love.

What else is there for me to do but set up my day at the posh spa and enjoy it?

13 comments:

Susan said...

What a great husband!! He sees how hard that you work everyday and is giving you your very own BONUS. Don't feel guilty, I am sure he found a way to fit it into his budget; otherwise, he wouldn't have gotten it for you. Enjoy!!

Loukia said...

You should absolutely enjoy your day at the spa! Being the mother of 4 children, you totally deserve this nice treat from your very nice husband! Don't feel guilty... enjoy it!

Laural Out Loud said...

You are absolutely worthy of a spa day! And so much more! I would probably think the same things you thought, especially about how to take it back without anyone knowing, but in the end it's best to use it and give yourself the day your husband wants you to have. I hope you enjoy your spa day!

Brian and Staci said...

You go enjoy that spa day girl! How sweet of your hubby :) Happy Easter Weekend :) (Hope all those wildfires in Texas were no where near you!)

Carol said...

Yes my dear jusy enjoy your day. Bless your sweet husband for being so lovely.

I'm very envious!

Amanda said...

Your Husband is a sweetie!
Go and enjoy yourself ~ you totally deserve it!

Love,
Amanda x

Tabitha said...

Your husband sounds wonderful and I am sure that you more than deserve your spa day.
Times are uncertain for us all at the moment ~ but this gift is a chance for you to unwind and relax ~ so take it with both hands and enjoy XXX

Elizabeth Byler Younts said...

a great anology of the ultimate GIFT we've all been given...but not enough accept.

thank you for that...

AND...you should definitely enjoy your spa day!

Unknown said...

You certainly do deserve it. I know what you mean about the money thing but still... go and ENJOY! : )

dani said...

i hope you enjoy every minute of it, lisa:) you do deserve it, and your hubby wouldn't have gotten it for you if he hadn't intended for you to use it!!! so sweet, your husband is:D
love,
dani

Clare said...

you definitely deserve it! i hope you do schedule your day and enjoy it too:)

Momo Fali said...

Absolutely, you deserve it! Enjoy!

just jamie said...

Wow. Your hubby sounds like a dear, but YOU? You get it? And for that, I love you.

I hope you do enjoy your day. Do it. Relax. Savor it. Lord knows, you've earned it. :)