Kids Say the Funniest Things

     A couple of weeks ago, after I left for work in the morning, one of my kids was sitting at the kitchen table playing with Legos.  It was a moment of peace in a seemingly energized home.  Katie had made some bacon and took it to him as he was quietly playing.  She handed it to him and he smiled as he received it.  He responded with the heart melting “I love you.”  As any parent would, Katie responded back with, “I love you too bud.”  This is where things get interesting.  Just when this perfect moment has ended. He laughs and responds, “Not you mom, I love my bacon.”  I can only imagine the turmoil going on in her mind as she tries to fight back both laughter and tears.  It seems that he loved the blessing more than the one who provided it.
            Do we fall into the same trap as followers of Christ?  I think we go looking for blessing in all sorts of places.  We work hard to get a raise.  We workout or diet to be healthy.  We pursue excellence in hopes that excellent things will come back to us.  Do we not know that these blessings are from God?  
 
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1:17
 
Have we stolen the blessing by calling it earned favor or a reward/award that we have worked hard for?  If everything we have is a gift from God then it is a blessing He has bestowed upon us.  If everything we receive is a gift then everything we have we should offer thanks to Him for.  Take a moment today to think about all of the ways God has blessed you.  Do you have a job, family, a car, have you been on vacation, do you have friends/family who love you, are you breathing right now?  Have you taken credit for having received or achieved those things?  Give God thanks for the many things He has entrusted you and blessed you with today.  HE IS WORTHY.  Our challenge this past week is that the proper response to Jesus is PRAISE!  Praise Him for all of the blessings He has poured out on your life.  If you are having trouble feeling blessed, be bold and ask God for what you need, He cares for you.
 
-Pastor Paul Mollett