Saturday, April 16, 2005

Gifts from the Father

The Lord's grace and mercy never ceases to amaze me.

The dogs wanted out at 5AM this morning, as they are always prone to do when I have gotten in bed late. I read the other blogs, listened to some music on iTunes, and then headed back up to bed to catch a few more minutes of sleep. Number 1 daughter had managed to sneak into the bed while I was downstairs, so I rolled her over from taking most of the bed* and laid down.

As I started dozing, a sense of awesome magnitude sunk in. Jesus died on the cross for my sins, knowing all of my flaws. He knew that I would be able to read TheAnchoress and Captain's Quarters three times a day, yet have trouble reading my Bible more than once a week. He knew I would overeat for comfort, and have trouble controlling my weight. He knew how many times I would fail, how many times I would grieve the Holy Spirit in my lack of obedience, yet He went to the cross for me anyway.

Not only did He "just" die for my sins, but He blesses me so much, even in my inability to properly serve Him. I have a wonderful wife whom I don't deserve, and two beautiful children. The Lord preserved Number 1 Son through his lung problems, even though there were at least two times when he should have had a heart attack or stroke. I have the job I've dreamed of for over 15 years, and it pays enough to make us financially secure so long as the Lord wills I stay there. We have a good, warm house, pets galore, food to eat, and clothes enough to wear. Even in my stuttering, stumbling obedience to Him, He has fulfilled His word: "A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap."

I know from His Word that He is a loving God who desires to bless us and do us good. It is still overwhelming to look back on my life and realize how much more He has given me than I could have ever hoped or dreamed of.

Thank you Lord. May the name of the Lord God of Israel be praised and lifted high.


*When Little Miss decides to get in bed with us, she takes her half out of the middle. It's not uncommon for her to first roll Milady over to her edge of the bed, and then me over to mine. She will then lay with arms and legs spread out wide (like she's making a snow angel), making sure she can touch either of us but that we can't crowd her.

It's amazing how a 5 year old girl can manage to roll two good-sized adults almost out of bed with all three of us staying asleep.

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