Before the pandemic there was a Chinese buffet that I would frequent. What I loved most about this restaurant was its variety of choices. I would walk around the various stations before deciding what to put on my plate. Some items were not appealing at all. Others I questioned if I would try. But I had my favorites, which always ended up on my plate. Every time I visited the restaurant one item was always there, never failing to be amazing and that was honey chicken. It had just the right amount of sweet and crunch on premium chicken breast. I can taste it now while I write these words.

The way I made my food choices at that buffet is also how I chose to do the gifts God gave me. I looked over the ones that were not appealing to me, while running to the ones I preferred. I imagined the gifts of God like a room full of packages in various sizes for my birthday. Some of them are wrapped in colorful paper with bows. Others are in the original delivery boxes while others are in garbage bags. My mind tells me to throw out the garbage bags after I have unwrapped the pretty packages and boxes.

Even when God would tell me which package to unwrap next, I would look over it and say, “surely He didn’t mean that garbage bag.” After living a little, I’ve come to discover the best gifts come in the most unattractive packaging. Those so-called ugly gifts lead to purpose, which leads to greater fulfillment.

No longer will I treat God’s gifts for me like a buffet. I have now gone back to open each one that I have been looking over for years. We have been endowed with everything we need to accomplish His plan for our lives. All we have to do is unwrap the gifts.