Undeserving.
A self-centered, self-serving human like me deserves nothing... yet, I look around, and I have truly been given "everything."
I think sometimes this concept is hard to be awed by when we think of God. I mean, He's God. It's incredible that He could love us, but He does because of who He is. Rich Mullins once said, "People used to tell me, 'Cheer up! God loves you!' and I'd say, 'Big deal--God loves everybody.'" Now, don't hear me advocating taking God's love for granted. It's incredible that a holy God has a personal relationship with me, and it fills me up with giggly joy when I think about it!
But Rich Mullins had a point--God does love everyone.
We know we are underserving of Him, His grace, His forgiveness, His love relationship with us. And we're grateful and amazed and joyful because of it, but do we ever stop to wonder "Why me? Why am I so blessed to know this love?"
I think the Lord likes to give us earthly examples of a heavenly truth, just because He can. These past two weeks of spring break, I have experienced an earthly example of a heavenly truth. Coming home to Indiana, where I left my heart back in August, has been a blessing. So many people loved me... reached out to me... encouraged me... prayed for me... I'm still floored.
"Why me? Why am I so blessed to know this love?"
This love of the body of the Christ-- people who I know literally from a few years of high school who are as close to me as the family I have lived with for eighteen years. People who give me time, conversation, support.
My parents are incredible and my biggest supporters! They love and encourage me so well--but they're my parents. That's kinda what they're "supposed" to do, you know? ; )
But all the other people... Wow. I am so blessed.
Basically, this post is appreciation. Appreciation for each of my church family who I couldn't do this without. Appreciation for the people that are the reason I love Indiana, the reason I left my heart "up north." Because without their hugs and care, I wouldn't be where I am today. Not by a long shot.
The Lord is so good to me--allowing me to see His love through the extension of His body. I am in awe of how undeserving I am.
Thank you.