bits from bob....

Your "Don't Deserve" Lists

by Robert J. Young
©, 2001, Robert J. Young
[permission is given to reprint with credit noted]

Have you noticed, in observing the realities of life, that lots of good things happen to not-so-good people, and that some really bad things occur in the lives of upstanding citizens? If you've not observed this truth up close, be thankful!

A best-seller list of self-help books reveals the realities of life. The dilemmas of life must be addressed: "When Life Tumbles In," "When Bad Things Happen to Good People," "Making Things Right When Everything Goes Wrong." All of us need to know that many people around us do not live blessed lives. The late Jack Benny was once honored with a distinguished award. In his acceptance speech Benny said, "I really don't deserve this award, but then, I have arthritis and I don't deserve that either. Thank you very much."

All of us have two "don't deserve it" lists. We have good things in our lives that we don't deserve; we have bad things in our lives that we don't deserve. The question is: "Which list do you focus on?"

• I didn't deserve that major repair bill on my car.
• I didn't deserve those pecans (already picked out!) that were left on my doorstep.
• I didn't deserve to be treated that way.
• I didn't deserve that heartwarming call from an old friend.
• I didn't deserve that terrible thing that happened.
• I didn't deserve that wonderful thing that happened.
• Above all, I didn't deserve the heaven-sent Savior.

Gratitude is largely attitude! It depends to a great extent upon which "don't deserve list" you're looking at.

This week, take time to be thankful for all the good things you don't deserve. Thank God, for He is the Giver of every good and perfect gift. Pray to Him that you might humbly and thankfully accept the events of each day. Whatever happens, remember, YOU DIDN'T DESERVE IT!