Fuel for Joy's Flame

It was a few days ago
I remember it so clearly.

Holding tiny newborn flesh on our front porch swing
my favorite meeting place with God.

Finally alone for the first time
and I looked upon his small face...

and I heard my Beloved say, "Do you see Me?
  Do you see Me in his face?
  Thank you for loving Me."

"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me... I was in prison and you came to me...
...as you did it to one of the least of these My brothers,
you did it to Me."  Matthew 25:35, 36, 40

How in the world am I am to do any of that?  How, Lord?  I cannot.  But you can.

Thank YOU, dear Jesus.

Thank YOU, for loving me.

"But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."  Romans 5:8

Grace.

It's all grace.

Thank you for grace!

"Bend the knee and be small and let God give what God chooses to give because He only gives love and whisper surprised thanks.  This is the fuel for joy's flame."  Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts