When Raquel and I got engaged, we got a gift from our registry, and we didn’t recognize the name. I think it was a $15 stainless steel salt shaker or something like that. All that was listed was a guy’s name and phone number. When I asked Raquel if she knew the person, she was certain she didn’t.

That’s when I guessed what had happened: The guy sent the gift to the wrong couple. So I decided to call him, and that’s when things got really interesting.

“Hi there,” I said. “This is awkward, but my fiancee and I received a wedding gift from you, and I’m pretty sure you accidentally sent it to the wrong person.”

“Nope,” he said, “we meant to send it to you. Just for fun, my wife and I occasionally go to gift registries and send a present to a couple we don’t know. So you’re the lucky couple!”

“You’re kidding,” I said, laughing. “That is crazy – I mean, it’s awesome, but I’m just blown away right now. Thank you so much.”

A Big Gamble

I imagine most couples they bless don’t even notice, or they just shrug their shoulders and assume it’s one of their parents’ friends. I just happened to get curious enough to call and ask about it.

I realize the idea is fun and admirable, but I think I would get tired of sending gifts to random people and having no idea what their reaction was and no words of gratitude to make me feel good about what I did. But that’s giving like Jesus does.

He offered His life for the entire world while knowing that millions would return the gift unopened. And He gives so much more every day — all kinds of unexpected mercies:

The people who love us.

The laughter of children.

The hard circumstances that push us into places of growth and maturity we would’ve never experienced otherwise.

Music that makes us hope for the eternal.

The wisdom of our elderly friends and family.

The joy of putting our favorite dessert in our mouths and savoring it.

The scriptures that revitalize our souls and give us hope.

The friends who really understand us.

The opportunities we have to care for others in need.

The various sermons, articles, and status updates that put things into perspective.

The promise of heaven, no matter what kind of hell we experience here on earth.

We do not need to wonder whether these gifts come from the Lord. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17, NKJV).

These gifts are truly meant for you and me. And although the Gift-Giver may not demand that we give thanks and praise, He deserves it every moment of our lives.

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