God Loves You—and Me

So this is how Ole Mother Hubbard felt. I woke this morning to a bare cupboard and a refrigerator keeping itself and a half-glass of milk cold. I had to go to the store, early enough that there were more employees stocking shelves than customers. Thinking of the family coming for Christmas dinner meant an overloaded cart and the largest grocery bill I can remember.

I loaded the car and started it when I noticed the mileage dial. Now numbers have meaning to me, so when I read 1234.5 I was brought back to a happy place. It was a sign—things were improving—God is good and in control. I was so tired I wished for green lights to speed my way home. When the first three were green I was so thankful, but I knew that the next one would be a problem—it always is.

 I came over a hill and was met with my expectation—the light was already green and at least 25 cars, including a big truck and a school bus, between me and the light. There was no way it would stay green long enough. As I approached it, the bus hid the light and I just knew that it was running a yellow-red light and I would have to—it was GREEN.

Tears filled my eyes. I don’t deserve this. My life has been nothing to warrant even one green light. I feel . . . ashamed, disoriented, unworthy. How can I repay…

Then it hit me—Christmas. God was reminding me of his gift of rescue from my current life. A gift given from his whole heart, with nothing required in response but something desired—believe! Believe with my whole heart and act on it. The gift was given with a love I can’t truly comprehend, but I want to give back my worship with all the love I can muster. I am a chosen child of God.

It is as profound as life itself, as complete as unconditional love, and as simple as a children’s song.

Or, if you prefer, an adult version of the same truth