You deserve it!

The other day I heard a person stating how blessed they feel in their life right now. Their friend responded with "I am so happy for you because You deserve it". Really? Do we deserve happiness?

Does the single mom that works hard every day to provide for her family and tries to bring her children up in a godly manner DESERVE for her car to break down? Does she DESERVE a new car?

Does the father that beats his wife and children DESERVE a promotion at work? Does he DESERVE to be severely injured in an accident? Do his wife and children DESERVE to be treated in that manner?

The answer to all of these questions is NO! None of us DESERVE good or bad things to happen in our life.

What if we got what we deserved? I'll be honest...I pray that God doesn't give me what I DESERVE! There have been many times in my life that I have been in blatant disobedience to God. If I had gotten what I deserved, I am pretty sure that I wouldn't be alive today.

Often what we do get is GRACE. The definition of grace is getting something that you do not deserve.

The bible says Galatians 6:7
"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap."

I do believe that, if we put good out into the world, that we will get good in return...BUT...we don't DESERVE it, nor are we guaranteed it. All we can do is pray for grace!

What are your thoughts on this?

Running the race...

Sherry Arnold was a wife, mother, teacher, daughter, and friend to many. She went out for a run on January 7, 2012 and never came home. Two men have admitted to killing her but her body has not been recovered. Yesterday was a virtual run in her honor and memory. Her cousin asked everyone to print out a bib and just run/bike/skate/exercise. So, The Hubs and I went for a 12 mile run in memory of a runner that I will never meet.

While running, we stopped at a convenient market to get some water. One of the employees asked if we were in a race. I explained that we weren't in a race but we were running in memory of Sherry.

After I left the store, I realized that we were actually running a race. We are all running a race everyday. We are running because we can...because we are breathing...because we are physically capable...because we want to be more emotionally capable daily. We are running the race of life...of compassion...of kindness...of determination...and hopefully to make a change, in our lives and that of others.

During the 12 mile run, I thought about Sherry and her family. I prayed that her body would be recovered so the family could have closure. I prayed for strength for her husband and children. I prayed for the safety of all runners. I prayed that this tragedy would mean something. I was very proud to have a very minor part in this very large cause.

I am capable

Driving in my car the other day, I heard a song by Matthew West. The lyrics went like this:
"I know I'm not strong enough to be
Everything that I'm suppose to be
I give up, I'm not strong enough

Hands of Mercy, won't You cover me?
Lord, right now, I'm asking You to be
Strong enough, strong enough
For the both of us"

It dawned on me that I don't always have to be strong. I will seek Him first, but He also wants me to lean on others...

I have always been independent...and strong...and, well, capable. There are many things that I can do for myself, such as changing a flat tire, replacing a light fixture, hanging my own crown molding...things that a girl isn't "suppose" to know how to do. I am so thankful that my dad taught me these things. I am so thankful that my parents taught me how to be capable.

Sometimes, though, this can be a self-defeating attitude. When we feel so capable, this becomes a impermeable wall for others, like a brick fortress to keep others out. An attitude that we "know everything" and "can do everything" causes others to feel that they have nothing to offer us. As much as God wants us to lean on Him, he also wants us to lean on one another.

In Proverbs 18:1, it states "Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment."

When I think about "seeks his own desire", pride is the first word that comes to mind. Do we so often not ask for help out of pride? Why is it so wrong in today's society to say "I need help"? God made us to be interdependent. He obviously knew that we would need each other...or else Eve would have never come along. :O)

As I get older, it is easier for me to recognize and admit to my "weaknesses". A weakness does not mean a person is weak and incapable. On the contrary...it takes a lot of strength to admit these things. By doing so, I feel stronger...and supported...and loved.

One of the first songs that I learned as child stated "When I am weak, you are strong"...

...Isn't this what friendship and love are all about?