Grace

My friend Andy sat across from me beaming with excitement-
"You won't believe what happened to me this weekend"
He said, as he seemed to grin from ear to ear.
He went on to describe taking a Trophy Buck while hunting with his son.

Now as a deer hunter myself-
There was just a bit of envy-
As he showed a picture of this 11 point trophy of a life time.

The envy quickly turned to resentment as I heard him say-

"Really I'm not a deer hunter at all"
"This is the first time I have been deer hunting in years"
"A friend just took me out, and put my son and I on a stand"
"Oh, did I tell you I prayed before we went?"
The prayer was-
"Lord, surprise us"

I felt the surge of resentment grow stronger.

God you know how hard I have worked to get a trophy like that-
You know, if anyone deserves that trophy- it's me-
And yet You give such a thing to someone who just walks out into the woods-
No work- No scouting- No sitting for hours in the cold-
You just gave it to him.

Why not me?
What's wrong with me?

And then I hear my Father say-

Luke 15:31

 "My son" the Father said,

"You are always with me and everything I have is yours"

Truth- The Lord gives as He sees fit.

Truth- The Father has given me good gifts-

No check that- The Father has given me perfect gifts-

Exactly what I needed to bring my heart towards Himself-

Oh, sin and the enemy bring pain from time to time-

But in His Love and Grace towards me-

Father takes even this pain and offers healing and wholeness.

Father,

Thank You for my Brother's Blessing.

Thank You for my own Blessings.

Open my eyes to always See and

Trust Your Grace in my Life.

Amen