In preparation for taking communion last Sunday, one of the elders of our church posed this question: "Are the best things in life earned or received ?" Immediately I thought of the best things in my life: my husband, my kids, God's overwhelming love, and Christ's salvation. And then I thought: There is no way I earned (or deserve) my husband's love. He loves me for who I am, flaws and all. He loves me no matter what kind of day I've had, the way I have treated him, or if I have failed in some area. And then my kids. They are pure gifts! Yes, they are definitely received....received with much gratitude, awe, and trepidation at the weight of the responsibility to raise them. And finally, God's amazing love and grace displayed through His gift of His Son. Not earned, but received. Because a gift, a true gift, is received, not earned. I've lived much of my life trying to attain some degree of perfection or acceptance from o...
