A Gift From The Heart

God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)

The doorbell rang and I already knew.
It was one of my granddaughters, who is one more than two.
I saw through the door, the top of her head.
Grandma! Grandma! is all that she said.

I opened the door to a smiling child.
She held in her hand a piece from the wild.
She held it so proudly and proclaimed:
It’s for you, Grandma, sweetly saying my name.

She opened her hand and I saw inside,
A dandelion so yellow; her fingers opened wide.
There it lay; waiting for my reply.
It is so beautiful, I said with a sigh.

Thank you, sweetheart, I said with a smile.
I looked at the gift; it had been a while.
Not so long ago, my children stood there.
Their hands opened wide with something to share.

I’ll put this in water, I truthfully said.
She turned to go play, with a tilt of her head.
She looked back at me as if to make sure
I meant what I said, that my motive was pure.

I carried the flower with care and precision.
Back to the sink that was in my kitchen.
I filled a small cup, only halfway.
And knew that the flower had come home to stay.

Oh, please make it last, just through dinner.
It was floating in water, already thinner.
A dandelion bouquet is the sweetest of gifts.
Paper cup vases somehow really fit.

Imagine the Father, in all His delight,
When we, His children, with all of our might,
Give gifts from the heart, no matter the size.
Not looking for praise, just a light in His eyes.

When we hold out our hands and tell Him so true,
Father! Father! This is for You!