God Grants Heart Desire: The Nutcracker Ballet

A Gift from God in an Unexpected Way

I recently saw an advertisement for The Kansas City Ballet’s rendition of The Nutcracker at the stunning Kaufman Center. The moment I saw it, I thought, Oh, how I would love to see that ballet! The only time I had ever seen The Nutcracker was a high school performance nearly fifteen years ago. But since I don’t drive, and I didn’t want to burden my children—especially during the busy holiday season—I simply tucked that little desire away in my heart.

A few weeks later, I was with my daughter when she received a text from a friend. Out of the blue, her friend gifted her two tickets to The Nutcracker—and she immediately asked me to go with her! I hadn’t spoken a word about my desire, yet just weeks after I whispered it in my heart, God answered. What a reminder that He truly sees and cares about the desires within us.

Now, here’s the twist: we didn’t actually end up going. On the very day of the performance a family member developed a heath issue. We spent the evening caring for them. My daughter gifted the tickets to two college students who never would have been able to afford such a night. My daughter and I decided we will go to The Nutcracker together next Christmas.

So how was this still a gift from God if I didn’t even attend? I believe Johnny Enlow explains it best: “Facts are observable reality. Truth is God’s perspective.” From God’s perspective, the truth of the matter is this:

• God heard the desire of my heart.

• He lovingly arranged a way to grant it.

• The enemy may have tried to steal through sickness, but he cannot override God’s goodness.

Through this experience, my daughter now knows my desire, and we both have something joyful to look forward to together. The fact is, sickness interrupted our plans in 2023. But the truth is, God still gave me the gift—and even multiplied the blessing by providing an unforgettable night for two young students.

I am continually learning to see life through God’s perspective, not just through facts. As my intimacy with Him deepens, I know the enemy’s ability to interfere in my life will continue to diminish. God’s love always wins, and He delights in giving us the desires of our hearts—sometimes in ways we don’t expect.