Love

If you read Dilapidated Insides, you know of how God spoke to my heart about fostering and growing in the fruit of the Spirit.  The other day, something so beautiful and almost breathtaking was revealed to me.  I have two wonderful daughters.  I have a fifteen-year-old and a six-year-old.  My girls are sweet girls.  But like most humans, they have their moments when they are not so sweet.  As a mom, I always hope for and want the best for them.  Whether it be good relationships with friends, a soccer goal or a part in the school play, I'm in constant hope for them.  One particular day, I was praying for my eldest daughter.  She was about to start a new school year and there were so many things that I needed to pray for.  As I'm praying and hoping for a promising year for my daughter, this little voice in my head argued, "Even though she doesn't always deserve it." It was only a few seconds when the Lord spoke quietly to my heart: You don't always deserve my blessings, but I still bless you, because I love you.

My eyes spilled over quickly. Truth, whether it's spoken gently or harshly, pierces certain nerves.  I am very blessed.  I am very much loved.  And I don't deserve it.  The tears ran as I realized just how much he loves.  Not only did he confirm how much he loves me, even when I have my rotten moments, but how much he loves and looks beyond my daughters rotten moments, too. He's going to bless her, even though she doesn't deserve it.  He's going to bless me, even though I don't deserve it.  He's going to bless you, even though you don't deserve it.

I thought about the many times when my children wanted this or that.  I agreed they could have this particular thing based on condition.  When they failed at earning their "prize," many times I would concede anyway.  We sometimes do that as parents.  We love our children so much and if we can put a smile on their face, we do what we can to make that happen.  In some ways, God is like that...eager to put a smile on our face.

We don't have to be perfect to earn God's love and blessings.  If it's in His power, and it is, He's going to do it.  He does it because He loves. 

God  IS  love. 1 John 4:8