Baby Shower Thank Yous

Expecting two at the same time is a bit overwhelming when you consider all the baby “stuff” you’re required to get if you want to be considered a prepared parent. I entered that baby shower overwhelmed with the stuff we needed, and left overwhelmed with the stuff we got.

Generosity is a tricky thing. It’s wonderful and easy to offer, but difficult to receive. Generosity is not usually something you can repay, because in its very nature it means over and above what is customary. You can’t predict or prepare for it. Generosity isn’t meant to be repaid, but accepted.

This is perhaps one of the most challenging experiences of the whole pregnancy — the acceptance of generosity experienced at these showers. I can’t do a darn thing but say "thank you" and deal with the difficulty I have accepting that the gesture cannot be returned in full.

Ironically, it is what we as pastors preach on almost a weekly basis. We ask our members to accept the extravagant and generous love of God. And yet, when I experienced this generous love of God through the medium of my church family, I found it to be way more difficult said than done.

Every pastor needs to be preached to; it keeps us reasonable and grounded. I am so thankful for the sermon I received a few weeks ago from my church family. With each thank you card I write, I am reminded that generosity is never repaid and always experienced.