Day 63 When God Runs

I have always loved the story of the prodigal son. It is one of those stories I learn from each time I read it.

My family is huge. My mom is one of 11 kids. There are about 26 of us grandkids on her side of the family alone. Many of us have blessed my grandmother with great-grandchildren. My dad is one of three kids and I barely know my cousins on his side. One of them I wasn't around much and the other two are much older and live elsewhere. Jeffrey's side of the family is pretty good sized and includes a big extended family.

With all the drama that comes with family, I've come to the conclusion that FAMILY IS FAMILY. What do I mean?

I'm not always going to get along with everyone in my family. We won't always see eye to eye. But they are my family and I love them. They are the family God gave me. My cousin is getting married this year. She was my maid of honor. I'm not in her wedding. Am I angry? NO. It wouldn't make sense because we are not the same people we were 12 years ago. Unfortunately, we aren't as close as we were then. We've grown apart, but I still love her and would do anything I could for her. I don't like the fact that my grandma and aunt are raising my cousin's son, but that is my family. If I had to take the child just so he would be taken care of I would. I've been hurt by family members and I have hurt family members, but I love them. They are family.

I can't say that someone doesn't deserve love, compassion, or good things in their life because of things they have done. That is for God to judge and decide.

The bottom line, the point I am trying to make is

I WAS LOST.

I AM A SINNER.

I WENT TOWARD MY FATHER IN SHAME OF WHAT I BECAME.

GOD RAN TO ME. HE MET ME THERE IN MY DESPERATION.

HE FORGAVE ME.

I DID NOT DESERVE FORGIVENESS.

I DON'T DESERVE HIS LOVE.

YET HE YEARNS TO GIVE IT TO ME.

God is so truly AWESOME. Each day, I see that more and more. This wretch that I am am loved and cared for and wanted by the King.

What an amazing experience to be able to run into the arms of my heavenly Father. I am so glad, so very thankful, so blessed that He will never turn his back on me.

I AM A CHILD OF GOD.

I'M PART OF THE FAMILY OF GOD.

I don't deserve what He has to offer to me, but I will accept it.

My friend, I know I am saying a lot about me, but you can experience this yourself. You think you are unworthy? Well, yes we all are! That is the glorious part! Jesus came for us, the unworthy, the destitute, the shameful, the runways, the wretched. In Him, we have HOPE. How great is that?!?!? I am so not perfect; if I were, there would be no need for Jesus to want me. What I would then miss out on!