you made a mistake

The whispers kept travelling through the line as the people were given food to tide them over. Finally one man couldn't keep silent. "Mam" he said "you've made a mistake. This is your food from the church kitchen. You didn't notice but you've been handing out nice steaks. Here, we can't take these." With an odd mix of sorrow, humility and joy she replied, "no, these steaks are for you, they were donated by another church." She cried later that day and she has never been the same since.

Have you ever looked into the eyes of a person who is deeply grateful? Have you ever looked into the squinted face of a man who understands the value of a gift? Have you ever been humbled by a woman coming back to you and saying the gift you gave her gift is too precious?

If so then you'll understand me when I say it is a blessing to have a broken heart in this way. That's grace you see. It's God allowing a stone to become flesh and nothing short of a collision will ever accomplish such a joyous event.

When my friend shared with me this story a few months back I was struck by what happens when we gift our best in the name of Jesus. Isn't that what made Abel's sacrifice so sweet to God? Isn't that what makes grown men cry when their daughters bring them burnt toast? Isn't that what the Father did with us when He gave us Jesus in our stead?

When you think of the Nazarene have you ever been tempted to say this gift is too precious, have you been overcome with gratitude? I mean, get-back-into-the-line-gratitude? No, then perhaps it would serve you well to look again at what has been donated to you.

Merry Christmas friends and Happy New Year.....may your bags overflow....and may you keep getting back in line
b