Graciousness....

We all have different experiences being a volunteer....and working with them.

Recently, I have had the opportunity to work with some very gracious people....

and some....not so much.

It has blown my mind how entitled some people are...and how others are spilling over with gratitude.

The Bible is very clear that grace and gratitude are not only important- but a command.

Being gracious is one of the very ways we can reflect His Light....and His Love.

"But as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, 

see that you excel in the act of grace also." -2 Corinthians 8:7

A gracious response, whether for a big or small act....goes a long way.

And also: contrary to popular concern- it will NOT kill you.

Do yourself and someone else a favor today...go find someone that you don't NEED to show appreciation for...and do it.

God, Thank YOU for Your unspeakable love, patience and forgiveness....

In His Dust,

DCC

No Parking Here....

Well, I was at a luncheon...about to give the invocation when I heard this...

"Quick announcement, there are two cars that need to be moved. 
You are blocking a driveway."

My thoughts? Great, now I have to wait longer to get up and pray....
what idiot couldn't figure out how to park- there are plenty of places out there....
I bet it is some entitled idiot...I bet they were so rushed to get here...they should have left on time....

That's when I heard "License Plate BKS965....Black Suburban." 

Uh. Oh. 

Did I mention I was about to give the invocation?
Did I mention I possibly had judgmental thoughts about the inept parker?

I gave a sheepish glance to the man sitting next to me....and at the speed of light,
he jumped up to move my car.

My Daddy.

While I sat the table in the front of the room, looking innocent....
My Daddy stood up in front of 500 people, friends, clients and strangers, to take responsibility for the mistake of his child....while people giggled and pointed at him.
Why did he do it? 
Just because...
He's my Dad.

Of course, I cleared his name the moment I got the mike in my hand.
I confessed the error of my ways and thanked sweet Mac Mac.
It was a great lesson and reminder for me in the middle of Lent.

We all make mistakes and fall short...but more importantly....
We all have a Father that was willing to Pay The Price for them

"God plays no favorites. 

It makes no difference who you are or where you're from." - Acts 10:34

Nutshell: He "moves all of our cars."

A room full of people saw a man cleaning up his daughter's mistake.
I saw the grace of God. And I saw it in my Daddy.

God, Thank You for gentle and powerful reminders of how much You love each one of us.

In His Dust,

DCC

The Green Puddle...

I don't like this ol' hag. 

Not Idina...I am sure she is lovely. I am talking about the character of the Wicked Witch.

This green machine and her dumb monkeys, which don't fly by the way, gave me nightmares for many years.

So much so that I have never watched the Wizard of Oz all the way through....spoiler alert, 
apparently, she melts. 

Before you call Child Protective Services, it's not Weezie's fault, she has begged me for years to "watch it all the way to the end the mean old witch with will melt and you can grab the slippers."

So you can imagine my panic....when invited to go with old friends to see.......Wicked.

I braved the green storm...and was pleasantly surprised.  

It was a great night and even more so, a spiritual reminder, that in Him we have nothing to fear. Nothing. Flying monkeys included. 

"With Him on my side I'm fearless, afraid of no one and nothing." ~Psalm 27:1

In God's Eyes, the things I am worried about are nothing more than a green melted puddle.

One of my nieces was worried she wasn't going to get any Fun Dip for Easter.....
another niece is concerned about a getting a chocolate bunny- 

Where they see concern- I see a puddle.
Where they see worry- I see the opportunity to bless.
and you can rest assured, I will...in abundance.

God, Thank You for handling our fears with strong protection, in sweet abundance.

In His Dust,

DCC