Slightly Off the Grid

If someone wanted to gift me the best gift ever, a million dollars would be great. Make that two. A million doesn’t go as far as it used to and I have a lot of projects in mind.

A lifetime of first class air travel would be grand. Throw in a little château in France and you’ve made me super happy.

But those are frivolous wishes. I’m already blessed with the most important things. I have a wonderful husband. My children and grandchildren are healthy, happy, and local. My extensive extended family is nearby and we actually like each other.

Last year, my husband gave me the greatest gift by saying one word. “Okay.” I was venting about work and saying for the umpteenth time that I wanted to retire. This time, instead of just quietly letting me vent, he said, “Okay.” That one word (along with actually retiring) has made me deliriously happy.

I’ve been reading the book of Job lately. Job had everything—until he had nothing. He was stripped of his prosperity, his children, his health. (Interestingly, he was left with his wife—a blessing for him or a curse?) He was left with three faithful friends who were the worst counselors ever. But through it all he remained steadfast in his faith in God.

“Though he slay me, yet I will hope in him.” (Job 13:15)

That was a very bold statement, one that I would tremble to utter for fear that God would take me at my word. But, hey, at this point Job had nothing left to lose, and living wasn’t looking so great. Fast forward to Job’s happy ending where he is restored to health, happiness, and prosperity because of his faithfulness.

We’ve just come off Christmas where a good chunk of the world professes that the greatest gift was Jesus. Galatians 1: 4-14 tells me how I have been cosmically gifted with divine adoption, redemption, forgiveness, inclusion, the Holy Spirit, and purpose. It’s a hefty chunk of gifts to plow through.

I have a post-it on the wall by my computer that says “Dayenu.” It’s a Hebrew word meaning “it would have been enough.” It reminds me how much I have already been gifted, above and beyond what I deserve.

However, if you’d like to gift me with a million dollars or so, I would gladly accept it. Two million would be nice, but one million…dayenu.

You can Venmo me.