More Than We Deserve

He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him… Psalm 103:10-11 NIV

At the counter we stood waiting, peering through the glass while selecting just the right treasure. Both of my children wore frowns. Faith had 12 tickets, and she needed 15 for the Laffy Taffy her heart desired. Colin had his eye set on an Atomic Fireball and was 2 tickets shy. My husband tried unsuccessfully to talk Faith into giving Colin 2 tickets and choosing something for 10 instead.

Soon the pizza waitress/prize getter appeared behind the counter. “Have you picked your prizes?” she wanted to know. “Yes, but they are both a little short,” I explained. She looked at me and smiled. Her arms stretched all the way down the counter as she told us, “You can pick anything you want from this side.” My eyebrows rose as I questioned the prizes she was offering. I glanced at the required ticket amounts and saw 45, 65, and 95 just to name a few.

My children glued themselves to the glass in front of the “good prize” counter ogling each of the trinkets inside. When their selections were made, they floated back to the car, each of them describing the positive attributes of their precious goody. “This is the best day. I can’t believe we got these prizes, and we didn’t even have enough tickets,” my son gushed.

As soon as he said it I knew. I knew God was using this moment to teach me something. Our Heavenly Father is just as generous as the pizza waitress/ prize getter. He blesses us with “prizes” we don’t deserve. I thought of the precious bundle of life growing inside me, and I knew I could never have earned enough tickets to select her. She was a gift – just like so many other things in my life.

When I walk to the ticket counter at the end of my time on this earth, I know I will come up short. I won’t have enough tickets to trade for the prize I desire. But thanks to our Heavenly Prize Getter, I won’t need them. He already traded in tickets for me.

Thank you, Father, for blessing me when I come up short. I am so thankful that your blessings don’t match what I deserve but are so much more. I know I can never live up to the gifts you’ve given, but Lord, help me to try every day. Let me give each day to you and your glory. Amen.

11 Responses to More Than We Deserve
  1. Mary Lou
    June 1, 2009 | 6:28 am

    Thank you for sharing this. It really blessed me. I loved the analogy that the Lord gave you and you could share with us. Blessings on your writing and your sweet family. Mary Lou

  2. dixiemom7
    June 1, 2009 | 9:39 am

    That was amazing. So relate-able, so true. Thank you for that word.

  3. Jessica
    June 1, 2009 | 9:48 am

    What a great analogy, Carol. I am always uplifted and enjoy reading your devotionals – thanks!

  4. Anna Fouts
    June 1, 2009 | 11:07 am

    What a precious modern day example of God’s Amazing Grace! Thank you, Carol.

  5. Kimberly
    June 1, 2009 | 4:44 pm

    Oh, Carol. This just makes me smile! I love how He speaks to you!

    I have been thinking on how much He blesses me even though I do not deserve any of it. And how I want and need to be someone who gives freely as He has so freely given to me!

    Love you!
    K

  6. Becky
    June 2, 2009 | 8:09 pm

    My heavenly Daddy speaks to me in just the same way. He uses common every day things to teach me lessons. I just love that. Thank you for sharing that story. It really blessed me.

  7. Heather Ricks
    June 2, 2009 | 8:11 pm

    That is awesome. We need to be reminded of God’s grace.

  8. jeri
    June 2, 2009 | 10:24 pm

    Carol, what a beautiful story. It brought tears to my eyes. I always wonder what I have done to have been blessed so much in my life too.

  9. Mozi Esmes Mommy
    June 3, 2009 | 6:16 pm

    I love this story! It wasn’t just a matter of making up the difference of a couple of tickets – a nice little bonus – but going far above what was even desired.

  10. Melissa
    June 4, 2009 | 7:29 am

    so true and we never learn do we? we still try get what we cant afford

  11. MrsC3
    June 5, 2009 | 12:59 pm

    you know, in reality, that is my life…I have a great husband, three wonderful sons, a terrific dog a safe place to live…it’s all God’s grace. I don’t deserve any of those blessings, but I’m certainly grateful for them.