James 1:16-18

He knew his father loved him. He had never had any reason to doubt that. His father had always been there for him. His father had promised to give him a car once he got his driver’s license. He had been looking forward to it a great deal. He had studied hard and had met the requirements for a learner’s permit. He did not take driver’s Ed, his father taught him to drive in the family car.

His family was well off and his father can afford to give him any new car he wanted. He was looking forward to showing off his new car. His father had given him no hints as to what type it would be. His father had not asked him what car he wanted. He was hoping for a sports car, but a truck or an SUV would be fine. When he came home from passing his driver’s test, there was a rusted-out old clunker in the driveway. At first he thought was a joke, but it was not. The car did not even start or run. His father told him that he would have to repair and rebuild the car from the ground up. Once his father judged the car road worthy and safe, then he could begin driving it. Until then he would continue driving the family car.

His heart sunk, he did not understand. The car was a gift from his father, but it did not seem good and it was far from perfect. He loved his father, so he tried to hide his disappointment. Over the next 12 months he and his father worked together on the car several nights a week and on Saturdays. Together they rebuilt the engine and the chassis. They did most of the work themselves. His father bought the parts and paid to have it painted. The day it was completed it was one of the proudest moments in his life. In the years ahead, the time spent working on the car with his father was more precious than any car he ever owned.

James tells us that every gift coming down from the father is good and perfect. It is not always clear that James is right. Only time reveals the goodness of some gifts.