brown paper wrapping with a scarlet chord

brown paper wrapping with a scarlet chord, amidst sparkling and glitter and silver and gold.
not chosen first. often chosen last – but when the gifts are all broken, all tired and worn, then on a lonely, cold night, the plain wrapping comes in sight.
Finally a curious glance at the scarlet red chord – and the question,”What’s it all for?”
To choose to pick up the package of brown, and loosen the scarlet chord tied around, feels uncomfortable, even painful in part. As if it’d be easier to simply quit, and not make a new start.
“I’m hungry. I’m in the dark. I don’t know which way to go. I need some guidance. I need a new life. I need breath -it’s time to grow.”
So, the choice is finally made, to take hold of the scarlet thread, and unloose the Gift that was given, of the Story that I’d only known, … in my head.
Great discovery was made – the boring package – magnificent – water and light and a sword for the fight. Gold and pure. Dispelling the lies.
God really cares. Even when I cared-less. When I refused to listen to His gentleness.
When I chose not to believe, and He wrote, “I believe in you.” With nail prints in His hands, He said, “I – believe – in you.” No matter what you do, I have paid your debt.  I Am truth.”
Now what? what do I do?
The package in brown, in Scarlet chord all around, is a mystery revealed in the pages of the Book.
Who wants to surrender against their own selfish will? “No one.” Is the answer. But He laid down His life on the cross. His is the example. Be still and know – He is God, and I am not. The Gift seems less, but it’s most. It’s not as I thought.
Jesus waits and watches: “Will they receive Me? Or will they not?”
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ¹² Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. ¹⁴ I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, …” Jeremiah 29:11-14.
I am the bread of life. John 6:35 and 48. I am the light, John 9 verse 5. 
I am the resurrection and the life, John 11: 25.
I am the good shepherd. John chapter 10. I am the door. John 10 verse 11.
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7 verse 7.
“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.
Do you believe this?” John 11:25 and  26.
“Will you receive Me?” Can you hear Jesus asking?