Thanking God

People have a myriad of different ways to show they care, and to give. Working for YD for 14 years, I learned that to be true. However, I didn't realize all the ways people show it, and tonight was another example of that.

Over the past week or so Shari happened to mention to a friend that our stove was driving her nuts. You see, the oven's thermostat is busted. You never quite know what temperature you're going to get. You can set it for 350, and get 300, or you may get 450... which is hard on cookies after the normal 8-9 minutes. It's even worse on a birthday cake. It's not the end of the world, and we're definitely thankful to have a stove that works at all. Still, it's annoying at times, especially for Shari. Well, this friend decides this is a campaign worth working on. She gathers a few friends together, and they make plans. Tonight, unannounced, they arrived at our home with a gleaming white, ceramic top, Kenmore stove. It's amazing - the oven goes to the right temperature, and stays there. What a concept. Even more amazing - and Christ like - was these folks' desire to minister to us in a tangible way. They don't want anything in return. They simply wanted to bless us. That's called grace, and, no matter how much I receive it, I still struggle to do so, because everything in my flesh (that old man that continues to do battle, even if he is dead) wants to repay, show my gratitude back in tangible ways, work harder to earn their acceptance... you get the idea. Yet God, in His mercy, gives us these moments because He is offering us the ultimate grace - forgiveness at no cost to us, and a right relationship with Him - again, at no cost to us, and the ultimate cost to Himself. Thanks to all who gave for our new stove. Thank you for once again showing us Grace.

By the way - We're looking for company for Thanksgiving. Now Shari can really cook up some great food. Any takers?